Nanoparticle-mediated gene delivery of TRAIL to resistant cancer cells: A review

Mina Habibizadeh1, Shima Lotfollahzadeh2, Parisa Mahdavi3

  • 1Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.

Heliyon
|September 9, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) shows promise for cancer therapy by inducing apoptosis. Nanoparticle-based gene delivery offers a strategy to overcome challenges like poor pharmacokinetics and cancer cell resistance to TRAIL.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL/APO2L) induces cancer cell apoptosis via death receptors DR4/DR5.
  • Clinical application of TRAIL is limited by poor pharmacokinetics, delivery challenges, and cancer cell resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review mechanisms of TRAIL resistance in cancer cells.
  • To explore nanoparticle-based gene delivery systems for overcoming TRAIL resistance.
  • To discuss challenges and future perspectives of nanomedicine for TRAIL gene therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of TRAIL mechanisms, resistance pathways, and gene delivery strategies.
  • Focus on nanoparticle carriers for TRAIL gene delivery to resistant cancer cells.
  • Analysis of current challenges and future directions in nanomedicine for cancer therapy.

Main Results:

  • Cancer cells develop resistance to TRAIL through various mechanisms.
  • Nanoparticles offer precise targeting and potential for combination therapy to overcome TRAIL resistance.
  • Gene therapy with localized TRAIL expression can create a bystander effect.

Conclusions:

  • Nanoparticle-mediated TRAIL gene delivery is a promising strategy to enhance cancer therapy efficacy.
  • Addressing TRAIL resistance and optimizing delivery are key for clinical translation.
  • Further research into nanomedicine approaches holds significant potential for future cancer treatment.