Efficient delivery of the Bcl-2 antisense oligonucleotide G3139 via nucleus-targeted aCD33-NKSN nanoparticles

G3139 is an antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide (ODN) developed as a Bcl-2 down-regulating agent for the treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). However, the clinical efficacy of G3139 has been shown to be limited due to its rapid plasma clearance and low permeability. To enhance the effective delivery of G3139, this work prepared a novel nano gene delivery vector (aCD33-NKSN) consisting of a CD33 antigbody (aCD33), a nuclear localization signal (NLS), gene fusion peptides (KALA), and stearic acid (SA) for CD33 antigen targeting and nuclear localization. The aCD33-NKSN/G3139 nanoparticles were spherical and uniformly sized with a positive charge and sustained release. They had an excellent G3139 loading capacity and colloidal stability. The aCD33-NKSN/G3139 delivered G3139 into the nucleus of Kasumi-1 cells and aCD33-NKSN/G3139 could more effectively inhibited Bcl-2 expression and induced apoptosis in Kasumi-1 cells versus free G3139. The aCD33-NKSN/G3139 administration was more effective at inhibiting tumor growth, and significantly prolonged the survival time of mice in contrast to free G3139. The results illustrate that aCD33-NKSN/G3139 nanoparticles could improve the antitumor activity of encapsulated G3139 due to aCD33 targeting and the ability to perform nuclear localization, The results offer a promising clinical application potential for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia.