Biomimetic Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Hematologic Malignancies

Abstract

Hematologic malignancies are a prevalent group of cancers that originate from abnormal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the bone marrow. As these cells differentiate to produce all blood cell types, their mutation and/or abnormal differentiation results in a wide range of diseases and complications. Current treatments for hematologic maligancies include chemotherapy and HSC transplants, both of which engender detrimental side effects that the patient must endure, and the end result is still often death. Thus, there exists a dire need for alternative methods to treat hematologic malignancies. Researchers have recently begun to explore the use of biomimetic nanotherapeutic to treat these cancers and mitigate their side effects, with promising results. Biomimetic nanoparticles (NPs) imitate naturally occurring structures such as cells through various techniques to avoid immune recognition and target specific locations in the body; by exploiting cells’ expression of “self‐recognition” molecules and their unique homing abilities, biomimetic NPs can deliver therapeutic cargo precisely to diseased cells while minimizing risks of toxicity. Herein, several biomimetic nanomedicines are reviewed that are investigated as treatments for hematologic malignancies and offers perspective on the future of this approach as a therapeutic strategy.

Nanoparticles targeting hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells: Multimodal carriers for the treatment of hematological diseases

“…Alternatively, further elucidation of the MkMPs targeting mechanisms could pave the way towards novel HSPC targeting approaches by mimicking the properties that confer HSPC specificity to MkMPs. Another interesting possibility to specifically deliver cargo to HSPCs consists of a hybrid delivery system consisting of NPs coated with MkMP membranes ( Powsner et al, 2021 ). In such an approach, synthetic NPs encapsulating a cargo, such as gene editing components, could be prepared in large batches, and be coated with patient-specific MkMP membranes for targeting of HSPCs in vivo .…”

“…More recently, biomimetic NPs that imitate naturally occurring structures, such as cell membranes, have been used to deliver therapeutics for the treatment of hematological malignancies. Biomimetic NPs avoid immune recognition and target specific locations in the body by exploiting the unique homing abilities of cellular membranes to deliver cargo, while reducing the risk of toxicity ( Powsner et al, 2021 ). With the advent of CRISPR and its utilization in cancer immunotherapy, new therapies for hematological malignancies are in development.…”

Targeted Lymphoma Therapy Using a Gold Nanoframework-Based Drug Delivery System

“…Hematologic malignancies, comprising approximately one-third of all cancers worldwide, originate from abnormal differentiation or mutations of hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow. , Radiation, chemotherapy and/or stem cell transplantation remain the mainstay of blood cancer treatment. However, these treatment modalities are often characterized by low therapeutic indices, poor bioavailability, high-dose requirements, and significant healthy tissue toxicity. − To overcome these drawbacks, molecularly targeted drugs have emerged as an appealing alternative.…”

“…In recent years, rapid developments in the field of nanotechnology have fueled the evolution of nanomedicine for cancer therapy. ,, As recognized, nanomaterial/nanoparticle-based systems provide an opportunity for multimodal and site-specific delivery of therapeutics to target tissues with improved pharmacokinetics and stability, reduced nonspecificity, and enhanced permeability and retention. ,,, As a matter of fact, neoplastic diseases, especially disseminated hematological malignancies (such as lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma), can benefit immensely from the broad panorama of nanoparticles providing innovative noninvasive approaches for diagnostics, treatment, and theranostics. ,− Among a plethora of functionalized nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes, inorganic mesoporous silica, quantum dots, peptide nanostructures, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, etc. ) , used in drug delivery, disease diagnostics, and therapy, gold-based nanoparticles display excellent efficacy as drug carriers, photothermal agents, contrast agents, and radiosensitizers, ,, owing to their versatility with regard to chemical modifications, high biocompatibility, and strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). ,, Porous gold nanoframeworks (AuNFs) with a large interior surface present a unique opportunity to easily accommodate therapeutic molecules within the well-defined mesopores and then, in contrast to more rapidly degradable polymeric nanocarriers, delay their elimination by the kidney or liver for a prolonged therapeutic period.…”

“…18 In recent years, rapid developments in the field of nanotechnology have fueled the evolution of nanomedicine for cancer therapy. 2,19,20 As recognized, nanomaterial/nanoparticle-based systems provide an opportunity for multimodal and site-specific delivery of therapeutics to target tissues with improved pharmacokinetics and stability, reduced nonspecificity, and enhanced permeability and retention. 3,4,21,22 As a matter of fact, neoplastic diseases, especially disseminated hematological malignancies (such as lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma), can benefit immensely from the broad panorama of nanoparticles providing innovative noninvasive approaches for diagnostics, treatment, and theranostics.…”