U.S. patent application number 16/549549 was filed with the patent office on 2020-01-09 for method to functionalize cells in human blood, other fluids and tissues using nanoparticles.
The applicant listed for this patent is Cornell University. Invention is credited to Siddarth Chandrasekaran, Michael R. King, Michael J. Mitchell, Kuldeepsinh Rana, Chris B. Schaffer, Elizabeth C. Wayne.
Application Number | 20200009225 16/549549 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52432483 |
Filed Date | 2020-01-09 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200009225 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
King; Michael R. ; et
al. |
January 9, 2020 |
METHOD TO FUNCTIONALIZE CELLS IN HUMAN BLOOD, OTHER FLUIDS AND
TISSUES USING NANOPARTICLES
Abstract
Compositions and methods for inhibiting metastatic cancer cells.
The compositions comprise nanoparticles which have incorporated
therein leukocyte adhesion molecules and therapeutic molecules
exposed on their surface. The nanoparticles may be provided
attached to leukocytes. Introduction of these compositions in to
the circulation of individuals results in inhibition and reduction
of metastatic cancer cells.
Inventors: |
King; Michael R.; (Ithaca,
NY) ; Mitchell; Michael J.; (Ithaca, NY) ;
Rana; Kuldeepsinh; (Lakewood, CO) ; Wayne; Elizabeth
C.; (Ithaca, NY) ; Schaffer; Chris B.;
(Ithaca, NY) ; Chandrasekaran; Siddarth; (Ithaca,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cornell University |
Ithaca |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52432483 |
Appl. No.: |
16/549549 |
Filed: |
August 23, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14909523 |
Feb 2, 2016 |
10391146 |
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PCT/US2014/049602 |
Aug 4, 2014 |
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16549549 |
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61861487 |
Aug 2, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 47/6911 20170801;
A61K 47/6913 20170801; A61K 9/0019 20130101; A61K 47/6849 20170801;
A61K 38/1793 20130101; A61K 9/127 20130101; C07K 16/2896 20130101;
A61K 38/178 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61K 38/17 20060101
A61K038/17; A61K 9/127 20060101 A61K009/127; C07K 16/28 20060101
C07K016/28; A61K 9/00 20060101 A61K009/00; A61K 47/68 20060101
A61K047/68; A61K 47/69 20060101 A61K047/69 |
Goverment Interests
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] This invention was made with government support under grant
number CA143876 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The
government has certain rights in the invention.
Claims
1. A method of killing metastatic cancer cells comprising: a)
providing nanoparticles which are functionalized with selectin and
therapeutic molecules selected from the group consisting of tumor
necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) and Fas
ligand, wherein the selectin on the nanoparticles binds to selectin
binding ligands on leukocytes in circulation, and wherein TRAIL
interacts with DR4 and DR5 receptors, and Fas ligand interacts with
Fas on cancer cells causing apoptosis of the cancer cells; and b)
introducing the nanoparticles into the circulation of an individual
in need of treatment thereby allowing the nanoparticles to bind to
the leukocytes and the leukocytes to seek out cancer cells thereby
causing the nanoparticles to interact with the cancer cells via the
therapeutic molecules causing cell death of the cancer cells.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the nanoparticles are
liposomes.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the liposomes are unilamellar
liposomes, wherein majority of the liposomes have a size from 50 to
250 microns.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the nanoparticles are introduced
into the circulation of an individual by intravenous
administration.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the nanoparticles are introduced
into the lymphatic circulation of the individual.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the nanoparticles are introduced
into the circulation of an individual prior to, after, or at the
same time as surgical removal of a tumor.
7. The method of claim 1, comprising an additional step of
administering an agent which enhances the killing effect of the
therapeutic molecules on cancer cells.
8. A method of killing metastatic cancer cells that are residing in
a lymph node comprising: a) providing nanoparticles which are
functionalized with selectin and therapeutic molecules selected
from the group consisting of tumor necrosis factor-related
apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) and Fas ligand, wherein the
selectin on the nanoparticles binds selectin binding ligand on
leukocytes in circulation, and wherein the TRAIL interacts with DR4
and DR5 receptors, and Fas ligand interacts with Fas on cancer
cells causing apoptosis of the cancer cells; and b) introducing the
nanoparticles into the lymph circulation near the lymph node of an
individual thereby allowing the nanoparticles to bind to the
leukocytes and the leukocytes to seek out cancer cells thereby
causing the nanoparticles to interact with the cancer cells
residing in the lymph node and causing cell death of the cancer
cells in the lymph node.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the nanoparticles are
liposomes.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the liposomes are unilamellar
liposomes, wherein majority of the liposomes have a size from 50 to
250 microns.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the nanoparticles are introduced
into the lymph circulation of the individual prior to, after, or at
the same time as surgical removal of a tumor.
12. The method of claim 8, comprising an additional step of
administering an agent which enhances the killing effect of the
therapeutic molecules on cancer cells.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/909,523, filed on Feb. 2, 2016, which is a
National Phase entry of International Patent Application No.
PCT/US2014/049602, filed on Aug. 4, 2014, which claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/861,487, filed on Aug.
2, 2013, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Cancer metastasis is responsible for over 90% of cancer
related deaths. The metastatic spread of cancer is due to the
shedding of cancer cells from a primary tumor, which enters blood
and lymphatic vessels as circulating tumor cells, which can then
travel to anatomically distant organs to form new tumors.
[0004] Currently, there are no methods to target circulating tumor
cells in the bloodstream to prevent metastasis. There are related
technologies that isolate circulating tumor cells (CTC) from
patient blood, which can be used to track the severity of the
cancer. However, there are no related technologies that can both
capture and kill rare CTC in blood and lymphatic vessels.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] This disclosure provides a method to functionalize cells
directly within the bloodstream using nanoparticles. In one
embodiment, white blood cells are functionalized with nanoparticles
which can then kill circulating tumor cells (CTC) in blood and
lymphatic vessels to prevent cancer metastasis. In one embodiment,
white blood cells are functionalized with nanoparticles which then
adhere to various forms of cancer cells, immune cells and/or sites
of inflammation.
[0006] The nanoparticle may be liposomes, silica nanoparticles,
such as Cornell dots, quantum dots or any other nanoparticle that
can be functionalized on its surface.
[0007] The nanoparticles functionalization can comprise
functionalization with ligands, small molecules, protein, peptide,
antibodies, aptamers, nucleic acids and/or chemotherapeutics or any
other moiety that can be functionally attached to a nanoparticle.
For example, the functionalization can comprise a moiety or
molecule that recognizes white blood cells, such as selectin such
that the nanoparticle functionalized with selectin binds to the
selectin binding partner on the white blood cell. Another example
is anti-CD57 which can bind to CD-57 which is found on NK cells.
The nanoparticle can be further functionalized with another moiety
or molecule that recognizes the target of interest, such as a CTC,
other immune cells, sites of inflammation or cancer cells located
in bone marrow or lymph nodes (such cells may be called
disseminated tumor cells or DTCs).
[0008] It would be advantageous to select a moiety or molecule that
recognizes a moiety or molecule specific to the target of interest.
The nanoparticle can be functionalized with a molecule or moiety
which induces an action specific for the target. One embodiment
would be functionalization of the nanoparticle with apoptosis
inducing ligands, such as TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand
(TRAIL), which specifically binds DR4 or DR5 which are found on
tumor cells and upon binding of TRAIL to the DR receptor induces
apoptosis. In another embodiment, the nanoparticles are
functionalized with chemotherapeutic molecules.
[0009] One example of use is to introduce a nanoparticle
functionalized with selectin and TRAIL into the blood stream. The
nanoparticle interacts with the white blood cell via interaction
with selectin. The CTC further interacts with remaining free
selectin molecules on the nanoparticle:white blood cell complex and
due to close of TRAIL on the nanoparticle to the DR receptors on
the CTC, the CTC receptor binds to TRAIL, inducing apoptosis/cell
death of the CTC.
[0010] This invention can be used to treat highly metastatic
cancers that travel through blood and lymphatic vessels, such
breast, prostate, colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal tract
cancers, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer and the like.
[0011] Another example of use is to introduce a nanoparticle
functionalized with Selectin and an inflammation marker into the
blood stream. The nanoparticle interacts with the white blood cell
via Selectin. This functionalized nanoparticle:white blood cell
complex further interacts with an inflammation site via moieties
which bind to inflammation specific markers. The nanoparticle can
then have a third functionalized moiety attached to it, or
contained within it, which relieves or reduces the
inflammation.
[0012] The present disclosure provides a new approach to
functionalize cells in the blood using nanoparticles functionalized
with different moieties and/or molecules. One moiety or molecule
comprises selectin or another molecule which recognizes a host
cell, such as blood cell, such as, for example, a white blood cell.
An optional second moiety or molecule targets a second type of
cell, such as circulating tumor cell. A last moiety or molecule
binds to the second type of cell causing an action, such as cell
death. In one embodiment, the cancer cells in the blood are killed
by causing circulating white blood cells to present the
cancer-specific apoptosis ligand TRAIL on their surface (via
nanoparticles) along with E-selectin adhesion receptor. This
approach occurs by using a nanoparticle functionalized with
E-selectin and TRAIL. The E-selectin molecule binds to its receptor
on the white blood cell. The tumor cell binds to other free
E-selectin on the nanoparticle and then due to proximity, TRAIL
binds to the TR receptor on the tumor cell surface.
[0013] This approach, demonstrated in vitro with human blood and
also in vivo in mice, mimics both the cytotoxic activity of natural
killer cells and also the chemical engineering concept of a
fluidized bed reactor, which increases surface area for
surface-catalyzed reactions. The resulting "unnatural killer cells"
are an effective means to neutralize circulating tumor cells that
enter blood with the potential to form new metastases.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0014] The patent application contains at least one drawing
executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application
publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office
upon request and payment of the necessary fee.
[0015] FIG. 1. ES/TRAIL liposomes adhesively interact with and kill
cancer cells under uniform shear flow. (A) Synthesis of ES, TRAIL,
and ES/TRAIL unilamellar liposomes using a thin film hydration
method. Briefly, lipids in chloroform were dried overnight to form
a thin lipid film. Lipids were then hydrated and subjected to
freeze-thaw cycles to form multilamellar liposomes, which were
extruded through membranes to form unilamellar liposomes. ES,
TRAIL, or a combination of ES and TRAIL were then conjugated to
Ni-NTA on the liposome surface. To assess the ability of ES/TRAIL
liposomes to target and kill cancer cells under flow, ES/TRAIL
liposomes were added to a suspension of COLO 205 cancer cells and
exposed to shear flow in a cone-and-plate viscometer at a shear
rate of 188 s.sup.-1 for 2 h. Cells were then removed, washed,
placed into culture for 24 h, and assessed for cell viability. (B)
COLO 205 morphology after treatment with ES (top) and ES/TRAIL
(bottom) liposomes under shear flow. Scale bar=20 .mu.m. (C-G)
Representative propidium iodide/Annexin-V flow cytometry plots of
unsheared cancer cells (C) and cells sheared with naked (D),
TRAIL-bound (E), ES-bound (F), and ES/TRAIL-bound liposomes (G)
under shear flow. Cells were classified into four categories based
on dye uptake: viable cells (negative for Annexin-V and propidium
iodide (PI)), early apoptotic cells (positive for Annexin-V only),
late apoptotic cells (positive for Annexin-V and PI) and necrotic
cells (positive for PI only). (H) Percent of viable cells after
treatment for each group. n=3 for all samples. Bars represent the
mean.+-.SD in each treatment group. ***P<0.0001 (one-way ANOVA
with Tukey post test).
[0016] FIG. 2. ES/TRAIL liposomes adhere to multiple leukocyte
subpopulations after exposure to shear flow in whole blood. (A)
Confocal images of ES/TRAIL liposomes (green) bound to human
leukocytes (blue=cell nuclei) after exposure to shear flow in whole
blood in a cone-and-plate viscometer at 188 s.sup.-1 for 30 min.
Leukocytes have nuclear morphology characteristic of monocytes
(left), lymphocytes (middle), and neutrophils (right). Scale bar=5
.mu.m. (B-G) To assess which leukocyte subpopulations ES/TRAIL
liposomes adhesively interact with, fluorescent ES/TRAIL liposomes
were added to human blood and exposed to shear flow in a
cone-and-plate viscometer at a shear rate of 188 s.sup.-1 for 30
min. Leukocytes were isolated from blood using a Polymorphs density
gradient, and labeled with CD3, CD14, CD16, CD19, and CD56, which
is typically expressed on T-lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils,
B-lymphocytes, and natural killer cells, respectively. Expression
of fluorescent ES/TRAIL (FL ES/TRAIL) liposomes on the surface of
leukocytes that are CD3+(B), CD14+(C), CD16+(D), CD19+(E), and
CD56+(F), determined using flow cytometry. Expression of CD3, CD14,
CD16, CD19, and CD56 on the leukocyte surface was determined using
isotype controls. No label: unsheared cells that were not treated
with fluorescent ES/TRAIL liposomes. ES block: cells treated with
fluorescent ES/TRAIL liposomes that were pretreated with an ES
functional blocking antibody. Post-mix: cells labeled with
fluorescent ES/TRAIL liposomes immediately after mixing liposomes
in whole blood. (G) Percent of CD3+, CD14+, CD16+, CD19+, and CD56+
leukocytes adhered to ES/TRAIL liposomes. n=3 for all samples. Bars
represent the mean.+-.SD in each treatment group. ***P<0.0001
(one-way ANOVA with Tukey post test).
[0017] FIG. 3. ES/TRAIL liposome therapeutic effects are enhanced
in human blood under flow in vitro. (A) Flow cytometry of COLO 205
cancer cells after treatment with ES/TRAIL or ES liposomes in blood
under shear flow in a cone-and-plate viscometer at 188 s.sup.-1 for
2 h. Unsheared: viable untreated cancer cell control. (B)
Representative flow cytometry histogram showing the number of
viable cancer cells collected. (C) Representative micrographs of
COLO 205 cells (white) in blood when treated with ES/TRAIL (left)
and ES only (right) liposomes in blood under shear flow. Scale
bar=50 .mu.m. (D) Number of viable COLO 205 and PC-3 cells per
volume of blood after treatment with ES/TRAIL or ES liposomes in
blood under shear flow. n=3 for all samples. Bars represent the
mean.+-.SD in each treatment group. **P<0.001, ***P<0.0001
(unpaired t-test). (E) Comparison of fraction of COLO 205 and PC-3
cells that remained viable after treatment with ES/TRAIL liposomes
in buffer versus blood. n=3 for all samples. Bars represent the
mean.+-.SD in each treatment group. ***P<0.0001 (unpaired
t-test). (F) Fraction of COLO 205 and PC-3 cells that remained
viable after treatment with ES/TRAIL liposomes in blood with
varying percentages of normal hematocrit. Hematocrit was varied
while other blood components remained constant, based on a normal
hematocrit of 45%. Plasma indicates removal of all blood cells. n=3
for all samples. Bars represent the mean.+-.SD in each treatment
group. *P<0.05 (one-way ANOVA with Tukey post test).
[0018] FIG. 4. ES/TRAIL liposomes functionalize leukocytes under
shear flow in vitro to target and kill cancer cells. (A) Flow
cytometry plots of COLO 205 cells in untreated samples (left) and
when treated in human blood with ES (middle) or ES/TRAIL (right)
functionalized leukocytes (but no unbound liposomes) under shear
flow. (B,C) Number of viable COLO 205 (B) and PC-3 (C) cells per
volume of blood after treatment with leukocytes functionalized with
ES/TRAIL or ES liposomes, but with no unbound liposomes, in human
blood (Washed), or after treatment with ES or ES/TRAIL liposomes in
blood (Unwashed). n=3 for all samples. Bars represent the
mean.+-.SD in each treatment group. **P<0.001, ***P<0.0001
(unpaired t-test). (D,E) Schematic of the two-step mechanism
involving decoration of leukocytes with liposomes (D), which then
contact circulating cancer cells and activate the death receptor
(E).
[0019] FIG. 5. ES/TRAIL functionalized leukocytes target and kill
cancer cells in the circulation of mice in vivo. (A) Schematic of
in vivo mouse experiment. (B) Flow cytometry of untreated COLO 205
cancer cells (left) and those recovered from cardiac puncture from
mice treated with ES (middle) and ES/TRAIL liposomes (right). (C)
Number of viable cancer cells recovered per volume of mouse blood
for mice treated with ES/TRAIL liposomes, soluble TRAIL (sTRAIL),
ES liposomes, and buffer injections. n=3 for all samples. Bars
represent the mean.+-.SD in each treatment group. *P<0.01,
**P<0.001, ***P<0.0001 (one-way ANOVA with Tukey post test).
(D) Representative micrographs of COLO 205 cells removed from
circulation in mice treated with ES/TRAIL liposomes (top left),
sTRAIL (top right), ES liposomes (bottom left), and buffer (bottom
right) injections. Scale bar=20 .mu.m. (E) Leukocytes
functionalized with fluorescent ES/TRAIL liposomes (green, seen as
bright in black & white) upon removal from mouse circulation
2.5 h after injection. Scale bar=50 .mu.m.
[0020] FIG. 6. Decreased number and increased apoptosis in COLO 205
cells lodged in mouse lung after treatment with ES/TRAIL liposomes.
(A) Schematic of mouse lung and example two-photon excited
fluorescence (2PEF) image stack from mouse lung where
Hoechst-labeled COLO 205 cells (green) are arrested in lung tissue
(visible by autofluorescence, yellow). Scale bar=80 .mu.m. (B) 2PEF
images of Hoescht-labeled COLO 205 cells (green) with Alexa Flour
568 labeled Annexin V apoptosis probe (red) for each experimental
group. Red arrows point to apoptotic COLO 205 cells (red and green
colocalized), blue arrows indicate non-apoptotic COLO 205 cells
(green only). White circles indicate regions of autofluorescence
from lung tissue. Scale bar=30 .mu.m. (C) Density of COLO 205 cells
lodged in the lung for each experimental group. (D) Percentage of
lodged COLO 205 cells positive for Annexin-V probe for each
experimental group. Individual data points represent data from one
image stack, with points shown in the same color representing image
stacks from the same animal. Superimposed box plots bound the 25th
to 75th percentage of all data points and the whiskers extend 1.5
times the interquartile range beyond the boxes. The horizontal
lines within the boxplot represent the median. n=3 animals for each
experimental group. *P<0.01, **P<0.0001 (one-way ANOVA with
Tukey post test).
[0021] FIG. 7. Incorporation of Ni-NTA conjugated lipids on
liposomes maximizes protein conjugation to the liposome surface. To
determine how much Ni-NTA conjugated lipid is required to bind
TRAIL and ES to the liposome surface, COLO 205 cells were incubated
with supernatant left after liposome preparation and assayed for
cell viability. Increased cell death is indicative of more unbound
TRAIL protein in solution. (A-D) Annexin-V apoptosis assay of COLO
205 cell viability after incubation with supernatant of liposomes
conjugated to 0% (A), 1% (B), 5% (C), and 10% Ni-NTA (D)
post-ultracentrifugation, with varying amounts of Ni-NTA conjugated
to the liposome surface. Cells were classified into four categories
based on dye uptake: viable cells (negative for Annexin-V and
propidium iodide (PI)), early apoptotic cells (positive for
Annexin-V only), late apoptotic cells (positive for Annexin-V and
PI) and necrotic cells (positive for PI only). (E) COLO 205 cell
viability after treatment with unbound TRAIL and ES in liposome
supernatant. n=3 for all samples. Bars represent the mean.+-.SD in
each treatment group. (F) Representative micrographs of untreated
COLO 205 cells (top) and those treated with the supernatant of
liposomes conjugated to 0% (middle) and 10% Ni-NTA (bottom). 10%
Ni-NTA conjugated lipid on the liposome leads to nearly complete
incorporation onto the liposome surface. Scale bar=50 .mu.m.
[0022] FIG. 8. ES/TRAIL liposomes are somewhat effective in
targeting and killing COLO 205 cells under static conditions. (A-D)
Annexin-V apoptosis plots of COLO 205 cells treated with ES/TRAIL
liposomes consisting of 0% (A), 1% (B), 5% (C), and 10% Ni-NTA (D)
for 24 h. (E) Representative micrographs showing COLO 205 cells
after 24 h incubation with liposomes. Scale bar=50 .mu.m. (F) COLO
205 cell viability following incubation with liposomes with varying
amounts of Ni-NTA on the liposome surface. n=3 for all samples.
Bars represent the mean.+-.SEM in each treatment group.
[0023] FIG. 9. ES/TRAIL liposomes adhesively interact with cancer
cells. (A) Flow cytometry plots of cancer cells positive for
fluorescently tagged ES/TRAIL liposomes (green). Grey population
represents fluorescence of COLO 205 cells in the absence of
fluorescent ES/TRAIL liposomes. (B) Percent of COLO 205 cells
adhered to liposomes following shear flow at a shear rate of
188s.sup.-1. n=3 for all samples. Bars represent the mean.+-.SEM in
each treatment group. (C,D) Representative fluorescent (left) and
brightfield overlay (right) micrographs of COLO 205 cells adhered
to fluorescently tagged liposomes following shear flow. Scale
bar=20 .mu.m.
[0024] FIG. 10. Leukocyte functionalization with ES/TRAIL does not
induce significant leukocyte death. (A-C) Representative propidium
iodide/Annexin-V flow cytometry plots of untreated mononuclear
cells (A) and those treated with ES (B) and ES/TRAIL (C) liposomes
under static conditions for 24 h. (D) Viability of mononuclear
cells following incubation with liposomes for 24 h. n=3 for all
samples. Bars represent the mean.+-.SEM in each treatment group.
NS: not significant (one-way ANOVA with Tukey post test). (E-G)
Representative propidium iodide/Annexin-V flow cytometry plots of
untreated mononuclear cells (E) and those treated with ES (F) and
ES/TRAIL (G) liposomes under shear flow (shear rate: 188 s.sup.-1)
for 2 h. (H) Viability of MNCs treated with liposomes under shear
flow for 2 h. n=3 for all samples. Bars represent the mean.+-.SD in
each treatment group. NS: not significant (one-way ANOVA with Tukey
post test).
[0025] FIG. 11. Leukocyte functionalization with ES/TRAIL does not
induce significant endothelial cell death. (A) Representative
images of HUVECs immobilized on coverslips immediately after
treatment in human blood, with various drug treatments, under shear
flow (shear rate: 188 s.sup.-1) for 4 h at 37.degree. C. Scale
bar=100 .mu.m. (B-D) Representative propidium iodide/Annexin-V flow
cytometry plots of untreated HUVECs (B) and those treated with
ES/TRAIL liposomes (C; TRAIL concentration: 0.3 .mu.g/mL) or
soluble TRAIL (D; TRAIL concentration: 0.3 .mu.g/mL) in human blood
under shear flow for 4 h at 37.degree. C. (E) As a positive
control, HUVECs were treated with a high dosage of TRAIL (15
.mu.g/mL) in human blood under shear flow for 4 h at 37.degree. C.
HUVECs were classified into four categories based on dye uptake:
viable cells (negative for Annexin-V and propidium iodide (PI)),
early apoptotic cells (positive for Annexin-V only), late apoptotic
cells (positive for Annexin-V and PI) and necrotic cells (positive
for PI only). (F) Percent viability of HUVECs after various drug
treatments in human blood under shear flow for 4 h at 37.degree. C.
n=3 for all samples. Bars represent the mean.+-.SD in each
treatment group. **P<0.001. NS: not significant (one-way ANOVA
with Tukey post test).
[0026] FIG. 12. Low toxicity of blood plasma after treatment with
ES/TRAIL liposomes. (A) Viability of COLO 205 cells after treatment
with plasma from normal healthy blood for 24 h. (B) Viability of
COLO 205 cells after treatment with plasma extracted from blood
that had been sheared with ES/TRAIL liposomes for 30 min. Cells
were incubated with plasma and any remaining unbound ES/TRAIL
liposomes and/or liposome fragments in the plasma for 24 h, and
analyzed for cell viability.
[0027] FIG. 13: Schematic diagram of (A.) Deep cortical unit of a
lymph node (B.) Array of MB on a single chip (C.) Cancer cells
co-cultured with NK cell-TRAIL liposome conjugates in MB (D.)
Single MB showing our approach.
[0028] FIG. 14. Schematics of a (A.) naked liposome (B.) TRAIL and
anti-CD57 functionalized liposome (C.) NK cell-liposome conjugate
(Super NK cell) (D.) Size distribution of naked liposomes and
protein-functionalized liposomes from Malvern zetasizer instrument.
Table indicates the average size of particles in each group.
[0029] FIG. 15: (A.) NK cells conjugated to fluorescent liposomes
with inset showing even distribution of liposomes on NK cell
surface. (B.) Flow cytometry histogram indicating that conjugation
is anti-CD57 dependent. (C.) Flow cytometry histograms showing the
fluorescent shift intensity for different treatment volume of
liposomes. Scale bar=100 am.
[0030] FIG. 16: (A.) MDA-MB-231, (B.) COLO 205 and (C.) LNCaP cells
seeded in MB arrays immediately after seeding and 24 hr after
seeding (D-F). Scale bar=100 .mu.m.
[0031] FIG. 17: Bright field (A-C, G-I) and fluorescent (D-F, J-L)
images of MDA-MB-231, COLO 205 and LNCaP cells labelled with
Annexin-V FITC (green, seen as bright in black & white) and
propidium iodide at 12 hr (A-F) and 24 h (G-L) respectively. Scale
bar=100 .mu.m.
[0032] FIG. 18: Bar graphs of mean pixel intensity of (A.)
Annexin-V FITC and PI positive cells by the end of 12 hr and 24 hr
(B.) PI positive cells for different culture conditions by the end
of 24 hr.
[0033] FIG. 19. Top view and side view of microbubble (MB) arrays
formed from 100 .mu.m circular openings at different
magnifications. Scale bar=100 .mu.m.
[0034] FIG. 20. (A). NK cells in culture 24 hours after isolation.
(B) Expression of CD57 by NK cells. (C) Bright field image of NK
cells conjugated to TRAIL functionalized liposomes. (D) Fluorescent
field image of NK cells stained with Calcein-AM (Live cell marker)
24 hours after conjugation indicates that TRAIL functionalized
liposomes did not have any detrimental effects on NK cells.
[0035] FIG. 21. Confocal micrographs of (A) LNCaP cells, (B) super
NK cells and (C) LNCaP (red, seen as dull grey in black &
white) and super NK cells (green, seen as bright in black &
white) cells seeded in a single MB. Scale bar=100 .mu.m.
[0036] FIG. 22. Flow cytometry histograms indicating the expression
of death receptors in the cancer cell lines used in Example 2. The
shift in fluorescent intensity indicates the amount of expression
of DR4 (red) and DR5 (blue) on the surface of cancer cells.
[0037] FIG. 23. A. Super NK cells cultured in MB arrays do not form
aggregates unlike when they are cultured with cancer cells. They
mostly remain as single cells 24 hours after culture. B. Cells that
stained positive for Annexin-V FITC and PI are cancer cells and not
super NK cells as evidenced by the bright field and fluorescent
images that indicate that in MB well without cancer cells (red box)
there is no signal for either Annexin-V FITC or PI from that
particular MB. In MB wells where cancer cells from separate
aggregates (blue box) it is evident that cancer cells stain
positive for Annexin-V FITC and PI and not the super NK cells.
[0038] FIG. 24. Bright field and fluorescent images of MB stained
with PI after 24 hours in culture. MB that were incubated with
liposome buffer, naked liposomes, TRAIL functionalized liposomes,
NK cells or super cells prior to seeding cancer cells (COLO 205,
LNCaP).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] The present disclosure provides a new approach to targeting
metastatic cancer cells, including circulating cancer cells and
cancer cells that have spread to lymph nodes. The method of the
present disclosure comprises providing tools for functionalizing
host cells that naturally seek out cancer cells in vivo. Examples
of such host cells include white blood cells and hematopoietic stem
and progenitor cells. The host cells are functionalized via
providing functionalized nanoparticles such that the functionalized
host cells deliver the functionalized nanoparticles to cancer
cells, and inhibit or destroy the cancer cells.
[0040] A feature of the present disclosure is that the
functionalized nanoparticles do not target cancer cells directly.
Rather, they use host cells (also referred to herein as
intermediate cells) like leukocytes to find cancer cells. Thus, the
approach makes use of intermediate cells (which normally seek out
cancer cells), to facilitate delivery of the nanoparticles to them.
Another feature of the disclosure is that the intermediate cells
only have receptors (or complementary ligands) for the adhesion
molecules and preferably do not have receptors for the therapeutic
molecules. The target cells have receptors for therapeutic
molecules and may have receptors for adhesion molecules. The
intermediate cells seek out target cells and when armed with the
nanoparticles, are able to deliver the therapeutic molecules to the
target cells. In this manner, the intermediate cells can become
"unnatural" killer cells.
[0041] In one embodiment, the intermediate cells are leukocytes and
the adhesion molecule is selectin. In one embodiment, the
intermediate cells are NK cells and the adhesion molecule is an
antibody to CD57. In one embodiment, the intermediate cells are
CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and the adhesion
molecules is an antibody to CD34.
[0042] In one embodiment, this disclosure provides nanoparticles
comprising both an adhesion molecule and a therapeutic molecule. In
one embodiment, the adhesion molecule is one by which the
nanoparticles can attach to leukocytes. The therapeutic molecule is
one which will attach and/or inhibit or kill target cells--such as
cancer cells. In one embodiment, when the nanoparticle is a
liposome, the adhesion molecule and the therapeutic molecules are
incorporated into the bilayer of the liposome such that they are
exposed to the exterior and are available for interaction with
other cells. For example, the selectin or the anti-CD57 molecules
on liposomes are available for attachment to their corresponding
ligands on leukocytes, and the TRAIL molecules are available for
inhibiting or killing cancer cells.
[0043] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides
nanoparticles on to whose surface is incorporated i) an adhesion
molecule which will attach the nanoparticles to intermediate cells;
and ii) a therapeutic molecule which causes apoptosis of cells upon
binding to cells displaying receptors for the therapeutic
molecules.
[0044] Examples of nanoparticles are liposomal particles, silica
nanoparticles, such as Cornell dots, quantum dots or any other
nanoparticle that can be functionalized on its surface including
PLGA or nanotubes, including carbon nanotubes and halloysite
nanotubes. The nanoparticles may be liposomal which may be
unilamellar or multilamellar or micelles. In one embodiment, the
nanoparticles are unilamellar liposomes. In one embodiments, the
nanoparticles are PLGA or nanotubes. The phospholipids making up
the liposomes may be neutral or charged. For example, the
phospholipids may be phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl
ethanolamine, phosphatidyl serine or any other phospholipid. In one
embodiment, the liposomes may comprise phosphatidylcholine,
phosphoethanolamine, and cholesterol.
[0045] The size of the nanoparticles should be such that they are
easily deliverable via the circulation. In one embodiment, the size
of a majority of the nanoparticles is from 50-250 microns and all
integers therebetween and all ranges therebetween. In one
embodiment, the size of majority of the nanoparticles is from
100-150 microns. In one embodiment, the size of 60, 70, 80, 90, 95,
96, 97, 98, 99, or 100% of the particles is from 50-250 microns or
100-150 microns.
[0046] The number of adhesion molecules and therapeutic molecules
on the nanoparticles (such as liposomes) may vary so long as
attachment to host cells and then to cancer cells is achieved. For
example, adhesion molecules may be more, less, or the same number
as therapeutic molecules on a nanoparticle. In one embodiment, the
therapeutic molecules are more than adhesion molecules. In one
embodiment, the therapeutic molecules are 1.times., 2.times.,
3.times., 4.times., 5.times., 6.times., 7.times., 8.times.,
9.times. or 10.times. times the number of adhesion molecules on a
nanoparticle. In one embodiment, the adhesion molecules are
2.times., 3.times., 4.times., 5.times., 6.times., 7.times.,
8.times., 9.times. or 10.times. times the therapeutic molecules on
a nanoparticle. In one embodiment, the ratio of TRAIL molecules to
selectin molecules is 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1, 9:1
or 10:1 on a nanoparticle (such as a liposome).
[0047] Adhesion molecules useful in the present disclosure are
those by which the nanoparticles can attach to leukocytes under the
shear stress that is experienced in the circulation into which they
are introduced, such as, for example, the blood stream. Examples of
such adhesion molecules include selectins such as P-selectin and
E-selectin, wherein the complementary ligand on the leukocytes is
selectin-binding carbohydrate ligand. Other examples of selectins
include L-selectin as well as recombinant selectin molecules such
as P-selectin-IgG chimera and E-selectin-IgG chimera. In one
embodiment, the adhesion molecules bind only to leukocytes and
cancer cells and not to non-cancer cells (other than leukocytes).
The shear flow typically encountered in vivo is in the range of
50-2500 l/s. Thus, the adhesion molecules on the nanoparticles and
the complimentary ligands on leukocytes should be able to provide
attachment under shear stress in the range of 50-2500 s.sup.-1 (0.5
to 25 dynes/cm.sup.2 and all integers and values to the tenth
decimal place therebetween) and all integers therebetween. In one
embodiment, the adhesion molecules are able to provide adhesion
under shear stress encountered in post-capillary venules. The range
of such shear stress is 0.5-5 dynes/cm.sup.2.
[0048] Examples of other cell adhesion molecules include selectins,
cadherins, integrins, ICAM and VCAM1 or antibodies. An advantage of
using selectins is that in contrast to nanoparticles functionalized
with antibodies directed to ligands on tumor cells, nanoparticles
functionalized with adhesion molecules, such as selectins, form
bonds that break under shear flow encountered in the circulation so
that the nanoparticles do not aggregate in the circulation. Even
though weak, the binding of selectin to its ligand on leukocytes
appears to be accentuated by shear flow as little or no binding was
observed under static conditions. This was a surprising
finding.
[0049] In one embodiment, the adhesion molecule is an antibody that
binds to a ligand expressed on the surface of a cancer cell. For
example, the adhesion molecule may be an antibody directed to CD57.
Another example of a useful antibody is an antibody directed to
CD34. Other useful antibodies may be against surface markers
expressed by subpopulations of blood cells, lymphocyte markers,
platelet markers, monocyte markers etc. The antibodies may be
monoclonal or polyclonal or may be antigen (ligand) binding
fragments of the antibodies. Additionally, the antibodies may be
chimeric or humanized antibodies. Such antibodies can be made by
methods known in the art or are commercially available.
[0050] Examples of therapeutic molecules are those which effect
apoptosis in target cells such as cancer cells. In one embodiment,
the therapeutic molecule are apoptosis inducing ligands. For
example, the therapeutic molecule may be tumor necrosis factor
(TNF)-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL), which binds to
death receptors 4 and 5 on the surface of cancer cells to induce
apoptosis through the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. In one
embodiment, the therapeutic molecules are Fas ligand, TNF-alpha, or
fragments of these ligands or fragments of TRAIL protein and its
variants, and antibodies to these ligands, such as Fas
antibody.
[0051] The liposomes may be conjugated to selectin and TRAIL by
routine conjugation methods. The proteins may be attached
covalently or non-covalently. In one embodiment, Ni chelating
lipids like DOGS-Ni-NTA or other chemistries like avidin/biotin can
be used. Other nanoparticles, such as silica nanoparticles and
C-dots, may be functionalized in methods known in the art for such
nanoparticles. In one embodiment, DOGS-Ni-NTA is utilized to
conjugate ES and TRAIL to the liposome surface. In one embodiment,
8-12% weight percent of DOGS-Ni-NTA may be used to conjugate ES and
TRAIL to the liposome surface. In one embodiment, PC, SM,
cholesterol and DOGS NTA-Ni is used. In one embodiment, the amounts
of each component may vary from 45-65, 25-35, 5-15 and 0.5 to 10 wt
% respectively, and all values to the tenth decimal place between
these values and all ranges between these values.
[0052] In one embodiment, this disclosure provides leukocytes which
have been functionalized by attachment to nanoparticles, which
nanoparticles are attached to the leukocytes at least via the
adhesion molecules and also display therapeutic molecules (such as
TRAIL) on their surface. The leukocytes may be obtained from the
blood of an individual and functionalized by incubation with the
nanoparticles. The leukocytes may be of one or more types. For
example, the leukocytes may be natural killer cells (NK cells). In
one embodiment, the leukocytes express CD3, CD14, CD16, CD19,
and/or CD56
[0053] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides compositions
comprising functionalized nanoparticles, leukocytes, or both in
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier suitable for administration to
an individual. Such carriers are known in the art and may include,
for example, normal saline, water, buffered water, isotonic aqueous
solutions, glycine solutions and the like. The pharmaceutical
carriers may include glycoproteins for enhanced stability,
including albumin, lipoprotein and globulin. These compositions are
generally sterilized by conventional means. For example,
unilamellar liposomes may be sterilized using sterile filtration
techniques.
[0054] In one aspect, this disclosure provides methods for
targeting and killing metastatic cells, including circulating
cancer cells. The method comprises introducing into the circulation
of an individual who has been diagnosed with cancer or who is in
need of treatment, a composition comprising the functionalized
nanoparticles and/or functionalized leukocytes as described herein.
The compositions may be introduced into the blood circulation
and/or into the lymph circulation. The compositions may also be
introduced into localized areas (at or near tumors) such that the
functionalized nanoparticles or leukocytes will find their way to
surrounding lymph nodes such as the draining lymph nodes.
[0055] In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a method for
inhibiting metastatic cancer cells comprising introducing into the
circulation of an individual a composition comprising nanoparticles
which have incorporated therein or thereon leukocyte attachment
molecules and cancer therapeutic molecules such that the molecules
are exposed on the surface and available for interaction with
leukocytes and cancer cells, wherein introduction of the
nanoparticles into the circulation of an individual results in
reduction in the number of metastatic cancer cells.
[0056] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method
of killing metastatic cancer cells that are residing in a lymph
node comprising a) providing nanoparticles (such as liposomes)
which are functionalized with adhesion molecules (such as selectins
or anti-CD-57) and therapeutic molecules (such as TRAIL), and b)
introducing the nanoparticles into the lymph circulation near the
lymph node of an individual. The adhesion molecules attach the
nanoparticles to intermediate host cells (such as NK cells) in
circulation near the lymph node. The intermediate cells do not have
receptors for therapeutic molecules. The nanoparticles attach to
the intermediate cells and the intermediate cells seek out cancer
cells thereby causing the nanoparticles to attach to the cancer
cells residing in the lymph node via the therapeutic molecules
causing cell death of the cancer cells in the lymph node.
[0057] In one embodiment, the method comprises isolating leukocytes
from an individual, optionally, fractionating those to select one
or more types of leukocytes, functionalize the leukocytes by
incubating with nanoparticles that have incorporated therein
adhesion molecules and therapeutic molecules, and then
administering the functionalized leukocytes back to the individual.
The source of the leukocyte and the recipient of functionalized
leukocytes may be the same individual or may be different
individuals. If different individuals, they may be matched for
compatibility for transfer of blood cells.
[0058] In one embodiment, this disclosure provides a method for
inhibiting metastatic cancer cells comprising: a) obtaining
leukocyte from in individual; b) contacting said leukocytes with
liposomes having a leukocyte attachment molecules, such as selectin
molecules, and TRAIL molecules incorporated into their bilayers or
onto their surface such that the liposomes attach to the leukocytes
via the leukocyte attachment molecules resulting in functionalized
leukocytes; and c) introducing the functionalized leukocytes into
an individual. This results in a reduction in the number of
metastatic cancer cells.
[0059] While the compositions of the present disclosure may be
administered any time during treatment, to optimize the effect, the
compositions may be administered when the CTCs are considered to be
in greater numbers in the circulation. For example, the
compositions may be administered 20-30 minutes after surgical
removal of a tumor. The compositions may also be given
prophylactically, such as 20-30 minutes before a surgical procedure
to remove a tumor. In other embodiments, the compositions may be
administered multiple times in a day or on a daily basis or as
needed.
[0060] In one embodiment, we provide a therapeutic approach to
target and kill circulating cancer cells in the bloodstream by
administration of nanoparticles functionalized with the
apoptosis-inducing ligand TRAIL and the adhesion receptor selectin.
The nanoparticles then functionalize leukocytes directly within
blood under shear flow. The functionalization of leukocytes under
flow, effectively creating a form of "unnatural killer cells"
within the bloodstream, is shown to be highly effective at treating
circulating cancer cells in flowing human blood in vitro, and in
the peripheral circulation of mice in vivo. By the method of the
present disclosure, leukocytes are used to treat CTCs directly
within the bloodstream.
[0061] In one aspect, this disclosure provides a method for
inhibiting circulating cancer cells comprising introducing into the
circulation of an individual a composition comprising nanoparticles
which have leukocyte adhesion molecules and therapeutic molecules
attached thereto, wherein introduction of the nanoparticles into
the individual results in targeting and reduction in the number of
circulating cancer cells in the bloodstream of the individual.
[0062] The method of the present disclosure provides an approach in
which, it is considered that leukocytes are functionalized via
interaction with the adhesion molecules on nanoparticles and can be
used to target and kill circulating cancer cells. Thus, the
functionalized leukocytes act as mimics of the cytotoxic activity
of natural killer (NK) cells. The resulting "unnatural killer
cells" provide an effective means to neutralize circulating tumor
cells that enter blood with the potential to form new
metastases.
[0063] In one embodiment, the method comprises targeting and
killing cancer cells in the bloodstream, in which the extensive
surface area of circulating leukocytes is used to display the
cancer-specific apoptosis ligand TRAIL and selectin adhesion
receptor to the surrounding fluid. The approach is inspired by the
cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells, and is effective at
killing cancer cells both in in vitro human blood samples and in
mouse blood circulation. The mechanism is surprising and unexpected
in that this repurposing of leukocytes in flowing blood is more
effective than directly targeting the cancer cells with liposomes
or soluble protein.
[0064] The compositions and methods of the present disclosure are
useful for any indication where specific targeting of cells is
helpful. For example, the compositions and methods are useful in
any type of cancer. In one embodiment, the cancer often results in
dissemination of cancer cells from its primary site, and such cells
may appear as circulating cancer cells. Or the cells may lodge
themselves in lymph nodes near the primary site or in some cases
far from it. Examples of cancer include breast, prostate, lung
cancer, melanoma, pancreatic, colorectal, GI tract, retinoblastoma,
bladder and any other type of cancer.
[0065] The present method may be combined with the administration
of agents known to sensitize cancer cells to TRAIL-mediated
apoptosis, including conventional chemotherapeutics (camptothecin,
cisplatin, doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, paclitaxel,
gemcitabine), proteasome inhibitors, Bcl-2 inhibitors, IAP
antagonists, HDAC inhibitors, CD20 antibodies, irradiation,
synthetic triterpenolds, Sorafenib, aspirin, and natural products
such as curcumin and piperlongumine. Thus, in one embodiment, the
method comprises administration of the nanoparticles disclosed
herein to an individual in need of treatment (such as in individual
who is considered to be at risk of having circulating cancer cells)
and administration of an agent that sensitizes cancer cells to
apoptosis inducer (such as TRAIL). The agent sensitizing cancer
cells to apoptosis inducers may be given before, after, or at the
same time as the nanoparticles.
[0066] In the following description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is
shown by way of illustration specific embodiments which may be
practiced. These embodiments are described in detail to enable
those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be
understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that
structural and logical changes may be made without departing from
the scope of the present invention. The following description of
example embodiments is, therefore, not to be taken in a limited
sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the
appended claims.
[0067] The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. .sctn.
1.72(b) to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature and
gist of the technical disclosure. The Abstract is submitted with
the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit
the scope or meaning of the claims.
Example 1
[0068] This example describes the use of nanoparticles
functionalized with cancer-specific apoptosis ligand TRAIL and
selectin molecules to target and kill colon and prostate cancer
cells in the blood. This approach, is demonstrated in vitro with
human blood and also in mice.
[0069] Materials and Methods
[0070] Reagents and antibodies. Human serum albumin (HSA), bovine
serum albumin (BSA), Accutase.TM., HEPES, DMSO, NaCl, MgCl.sub.2,
CaCO.sub.3 and chloroform (ACS grade with 0.5-1% ethanol added as
stabilizer) were all obtained from Sigma-Aldrich (St Louis, Mo.).
RPMI 1640 cell culture media, fetal bovine serum (FBS), Hank's
balanced salt solution (HBSS), penicillin-streptomycin (PenStrep)
and Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (DPBS) were all obtained
from Invitrogen (Grand Island, N.Y.). His-tagged recombinant human
tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL),
his-tagged recombinant human E-selectin-IgG chimera (ES) and
Annexin-V FITC Apoptosis Detection Kit were purchased from R&D
Systems (Minneapolis, Minn.). BCECF AM solution and trypsin-EDTA
solution were obtained from Invitrogen (Carlsbad, Calif.).
PBS-based enzyme-free cell dissociation media was purchased from
Millipore (Billerica, Mass.). L-.alpha.-lysophosphatidylcholine
from egg (Egg PC), sphingomyelin from egg (Egg SM), ovine wool
cholesterol (Chol),
1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-[(N-(5-amino-1-carboxypentyl)
iminodiacetic acid) succinyl] (nickel salt) (DOGS NTA-Ni) and
23-(dipyrrometheneboron difluoride)-24-norcholesterol (Bdp-Chol,
Ex/Em 490 nm/504 nm) either dissolved in chloroform (Egg PC, Egg
SM, Chol, DOGS NTA-Ni) or in powder form (Bdp-Chol) were purchased
from Avanti Polar Lipids (Alabaster, Ala.). Rat anti-human CD62E
(E-selectin) antibody was purchased from Abcam (Cambridge, Mass.).
Anti human CD3, CD14, CD16, CD19 and CD56 conjugated with Pacific
Blue.TM., APC Cy7.TM., PERCP-Cy5.5, APC, and PE respectively along
with corresponding isotypes were all purchased from BD Biosciences
(San Jose, Calif.).
[0071] Cell lines and cell culture. Colon cancer cell line COLO 205
(ATCC number CCL-222) was obtained from ATCC (Manassas, Va.) and
cultured in RPMI 1640 supplemented with 2 mM L-Glutamine, 25 mM
HEPES, 10% v/v FBS and 100 U/mL PenStrep (complete media) under
humidified conditions at 37.degree. C. and 5% CO.sub.2. Prostate
cancer cell line PC-3 (ATCC number CRL-1435) was obtained from ATCC
and cultured in F-12K medium supplemented with 10% v/v FBS and 100
U/mL PenStrep. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were
purchased from Cascade Biologics (Portland, Oreg.) and maintained
in Medium 200 (Cascade Biologics) supplemented with low-serum
growth supplement (Cascade Biologics) and 5% fetal bovine serum
(Invitrogen). HUVECs were utilized from passages 2-5 for
experiments. For all experiments, >95% viability was assessed by
trypan blue exclusion dye.
[0072] Preparation of liposomes. Multilamellar liposomes, composed
of egg L-.alpha.-lysophosphatidylcholine (Egg PC), egg
sphingomyelin (Egg SM), ovine wool cholesterol (Chol),
1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-[(N-(5-amino-1-carboxypentyl)
iminodiacetic acid) succinyl] (nickel salt) (DOGS NTA-Ni) at weight
ratios 60-50%:30%:10%:0-10% (Egg PC/Egg SM/Chol/DOGS NTA-Ni), were
prepared by a thin lipid film method. DOGS-NTA-Ni is a lipid
conjugated to nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni-NTA) that allows for
attachment to his-tagged proteins. Briefly, stock solutions of all
lipids were prepared by dissolving powdered lipids in chloroform to
produce a final concentration of 5 mg/mL Egg PC, 20 mg/mL Egg SM, 5
mg/mL Chol and 20 mg/mL DOGS-NTA-Ni in glass containers and stored
at -20.degree. C. Appropriate volumes of the lipids were taken from
the stock solution to make lipids with varying concentrations of
DOGS NTA-Ni in a glass tube and gently dried under nitrogen. To
ensure complete removal of chloroform, the lipids were left under
vacuum for an additional 12 h. With increasing amounts of DOGS
NTA-Ni, the corresponding amount of Egg PC was decreased (Table
S1). The lipid film was hydrated with a liposome buffer composed of
150 mM NaCl, 10 mM HEPES and 1 mM MgCl.sub.2 dissolved in
nuclease-free water to create multilamellar liposomes. The
resulting multilamellar liposomes were sized by repeated thawing
and freezing, and then subjected to 15 extrusion cycles at
60.degree. C. through two different pore size (200 and 100 nm)
polycarbonate membranes (Nucleopore, Whatman, N.J., USA) to produce
unilamellar nanoscale liposomes. Recombinant human ES and TRAIL
were dissolved in nuclease-free sterile water to a final
concentration of 1 mg/mL and 100 .mu.g/mL. Aliquots of stock
solutions were stored at -20.degree. C. and used as needed within
60 days. Freshly prepared nanoscale liposomes were then incubated
with ES (final concentration 71.43 nM) and TRAIL (250 nM final
concentration) for 30 min at 37.degree. C. and then overnight at
4.degree. C., to ensure maximum protein binding via the interaction
between his-tag and Ni-NTA. Based on approximations for ligand
density on liposomes suggested in previous work by Huang and Mason
(1), there were approximately 65 TRAIL and 19 E-selectin proteins
present on the surface of each liposome, assuming a unilamellar
liposome diameter of 100 nm. To remove unbound TRAIL and ES,
liposomes were diluted 1:6 with liposome buffer and subjected to
ultracentrifugation at 100000 g for 3 h at 4.degree. C. The
supernatant with unbound TRAIL and ES was carefully removed and
collected for further evaluation, and the remaining liposomes were
gently resuspended in buffer. A similar procedure was used to
create fluorescent conjugated liposomes by replacing ovine wool
cholesterol with 23-(dipyrrometheneboron
difluoride)-24-norcholesterol. Freshly prepared nanoscale liposomes
were diluted in buffer, and the mean particle diameter and surface
charge (zeta potential) were measured by dynamic light scattering
using a Malvern Zetasizer nano ZS (Malvern Instruments Ltd.,
Worcestershire, UK), according to the manufacturer's protocols.
Conjugated liposomes were measured to be 117.8.+-.10.3 nm in
diameter, with a zeta potential of -5.7.+-.4.6 mV.
[0073] Static experiments. COLO 205 cells were seeded in multiwell
plates at a seeding density of 300,000 cells/mL, 1 day prior to
experimentation to ensure that the cells were in the linear phase
of the growth cycle. Media was changed prior to experimentation.
Cells were incubated with either the supernatant from
ultracentrifugation or 10 .mu.L of conjugated and purified
liposomes. The cells were maintained in culture conditions with the
supernatant or nanoscale lipids for 24 h and later analyzed by an
Annexin-V assay to quantify the proportion of viable cells.
[0074] Uniform shear flow experiments. To simulate the shear stress
conditions of blood flow, cancer cells were subjected to uniform
shear in a cone-and-plate viscometer. Cancer cells seeded one day
prior to the experiment were gently detached from the surface using
PBS-based enzyme-free cell detachment solution or accutase. Cells
were then washed twice in 1.times.DPBS and resuspended in buffer at
a concentration of 1.times.10.sup.6 cells/mL. 10 .mu.L of lipids
was added to 490 .mu.L of cell suspension (at 10.sup.6 cells/mL)
and immediately added to the cone-and-plate viscometer. Shear rate
was set to 188 s.sup.-1 for 2 h. All samples were exposed to shear
flow at RT, to prevent potential sample evaporation and/or drying
in the cone-and-plate viscometer over prolonged periods of shear.
After 2 h, the cells were removed and washed twice in resuspension
buffer at 200 g for 5 min. Cells were resuspended in complete media
and cultured for 24 h. In the case of fluorescent lipids, an
aliquot was taken for visual inspection on an inverted microscope
(Olympus America Inc, Melville, N.Y.) equipped with fluorescence
and an intensified CCD digital camera (Cooke Corporation, Romulus,
Mich.) to record images. For spiking experiments, peripheral blood
was collected into Vacutainer tubes containing heparin and allowed
to equilibrate to RT before use. 1.times.10.sup.6 COLO 205 or PC-3
cells were tagged fluorescently with 3 .mu.M BCECF AM solution for
15 min at 37.degree. C., washed twice and collected via
centrifugation at 200 g for 5 min. The supernatant was discarded,
and the collected cells were resuspended in 1 mL of whole blood. 10
.mu.L of lipid was then added to 490 .mu.L of spiked blood and
immediately added to a cone-and-plate viscometer previously coated
with 5% BSA. Spiked blood was subjected to a uniform shear rate of
188 s.sup.1 for 2 h. As an additional comparison for spiking
experiments, identical experiments were performed in buffer instead
of whole blood. In leukocyte functionalization experiments, 10
.mu.L of lipid was added to 490 .mu.L human blood, sheared in a
cone-and-plate viscometer at a uniform shear rate of 188 s.sup.-1
for 2 h, and subsequently centrifuged to remove the plasma
containing unbound liposomes. The removed plasma was replaced with
freshly isolated plasma, and the blood samples were used for
identical spiking experiments mentioned above. After shearing, the
blood sample was collected from the device and carefully layered
over 1.5 mL of Ficoll and centrifuged at 480 g for 50 min at RT.
The buffy coat containing MNCs and cancer cells was recovered and
washed twice in resuspension buffer, collected, cultured for 24 h,
and analyzed for viable fluorescent cancer cells using flow
cytometry. To evaluate the effect of hematocrit, the number of RBCs
was varied by removal via centrifugation. Volumes of RBCs were
replaced with excess plasma from the same blood donor. Cancer cells
were spiked into blood samples as mentioned earlier, at a
concentration of 1.times.10.sup.6 cells/mL. 10 .mu.L of liposome
solution was added to 490 .mu.L of blood and sheared for 2 h at 188
s.sup.-1. Samples were collected, incubated, and analyzed for
viability on a flow cytometer as described above. In some
experiments, 490 .mu.L of whole blood was sheared with 10 .mu.L of
liposome solution, and the plasma and any remaining unbound
liposomes and/or liposome fragments were separated by
centrifugation. To determine the effects of remaining unbound
liposomes and/or liposome fragments on cancer cell viability, the
recovered plasma was incubated with 500,000 COLO 205 cells for 24 h
at 37.degree. C. and analyzed for cell viability using flow
cytometry.
[0075] Polymorphonuclear (PMN) and mononuclear cell (MNC)
isolation. All human subject protocols were approved by the
Institutional Review Board for Human Participants of Cornell
University. Peripheral blood was collected from healthy, willing
donors after informed consent into Vacutainer tubes containing
heparin and allowed to equilibrate at room temperature (RT) before
use. 3 mL of blood diluted with resuspension buffer was carefully
layered over 3 mL of 1-Step.TM. Polymorphs (Accurate Chemical &
Scientific Corporation, Westbury, N.Y.) and centrifuged at 480 g
for 50 min at RT. Two separate layers of MNCs and PMNs were
collected and washed twice with resuspension buffer.
[0076] Leukocyte functionalization with ES/TRAIL liposomes in whole
blood. To assess the adhesion of ES/TRAIL liposomes to leukocytes
in whole blood under flow, 490 .mu.L of whole blood was sheared
with 10 .mu.L of fluorescent ES/TRAIL liposome solution for 30 min
in a cone-and-plate viscometer at a shear rate of 188 s.sup.-1.
Leukocytes were then separated using 1-Step.TM. Polymorphs and
assessed for adherent ES/TRAIL liposomes using confocal microscopy.
To assess the fraction of leukocyte subpopulations that adhere to
ES/TRAIL liposomes, leukocytes were labeled with anti-human CD3,
CD14, CD16, CD19 and CD56, along with corresponding isotype
controls, and analyzed for adherent ES/TRAIL liposomes using flow
cytometry. To assess the specificity of the ES interaction with
leukocytes, liposomes were incubated with a functional blocking
anti-human E-selectin antibody prior to shearing in whole blood. To
assess the fraction of leukocytes in blood adhered to ES/TRAIL
liposomes before shear, fluorescent ES/TRAIL liposomes were added
to whole blood and then separated using 1-Step.TM. Polymorphs.
[0077] Endothelial cell viability assay. 40 mm diameter circular
glass coverslips (Thermo Scientific, Waltham, Mass.) were plasma
treated (Harrick Plasma Cleaner, Ossining, N.Y.) for 2 min and
subsequently incubated in 1% polyethylenemine (PEI) at room
temperature for 10 min. Coverslips were then washed in water 3
times and treated with 0.1% glutaraldehyde (Sigma-Aldrich, St.
Louis, Mo.) in PBS at room temperature for 30 min. Coverslips were
washed in water 3 times, dried, and treated with 0.1 mg/mL of type
I rat-tail collagen (Becton Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, N.J.) in
HEPES (pH 8.0, Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.) for 2 h at 4.degree.
C. Coverslips were placed in petri dishes (60 mm.times.15 mm;
Sigma-Aldrich), washed 3 times in PBS, and briefly sterilized via
UV exposure for 15 min. HUVECs were plated on coverslips, at a
density of 500,000 cells per coverslip, in Medium 200 supplemented
with low-serum growth supplement (Cascade Biologics), 5% fetal
bovine serum (Invitrogen), and 100 U/mL PenStrep. HUVECs were
cultured for 4 days on coverslips prior to experiments, and then
adhered to the plate of a cone-and-plate viscometer using vacuum
grease. HUVECs were then treated with 2.94 mL of human blood and 60
.mu.L of PBS, ES/TRAIL (TRAIL final concentration: 0.3 .mu.g/mL),
or soluble TRAIL in PBS (TRAIL final concentration: 0.3 .mu.g/mL)
for 4 h at 37.degree. C. in a humidified cone-and-plate viscometer
at a shear rate of 188 s.sup.1. As a positive control, HUVECs were
treated with a high concentration of soluble TRAIL (15 .mu.g/mL).
Coverslips were removed from the viscometer, gently washed in PBS,
and placed in Medium 200 supplemented with low-serum growth
supplement, 5% fetal bovine serum (Invitrogen), and 100 U/mL
PenStrep. HUVEC morphology was assessed using brightfield and phase
contrast microscopy. HUVECs were immediately placed into culture
for 8 h, maintained at 37.degree. C. and 5% CO.sub.2. HUVECs were
then treated with 0.25% Trypsin-EDTA solution (Gibco) for 2 min at
37.degree. C., followed by treatment with an equal volume of
trypsin neutralizer solution (Gibco). HUVECs were collected from
coverslips, washed twice in PBS, and assessed for viability using
an Annexin-V assay.
[0078] Liposome and COLO 205 cell injection in mice. C57BL/6J mice
aged 16-20 weeks (both sexes), weighing 25-32 g, were obtained from
The Jackson Laboratory. Mice were anesthetized using isoflurane
(5%) for all procedures. Either 120 .mu.L of saline, sTRAIL (15
.mu.g/mL; TRAIL plasma concentration .about.1.0 .mu.g/mL), ES/TRAIL
(TRAIL injection concentration: 15 .mu.g/mL; TRAIL plasma
concentration .about.1.0 .mu.g/mL) liposomes or ES liposomes
suspended in saline were injected retro-orbitally using a 30-G
needle and animals were removed from anesthesia. Three mice were
used in each group. Thirty minutes later, animals were
re-anesthetized and 2.times.10.sup.6 COLO 205 cells, labeled by 2
.mu.g/mL Hoescht (#H1399, Invitrogen) or 3 .mu.M BCECF AM suspended
in saline were injected into the tail vein. Animals were removed
from anesthesia and the cancer cells were allowed to circulate for
2 h. All animal procedures were approved by the Cornell University
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
[0079] Analysis of circulating COLO 205 cells. Animals were
euthanized with a lethal dose of pentobarbital. Blood was removed
from the heart via cardiac puncture and collected into sodium
heparin-coated tubes. Leukocytes and circulating COLO 205 cells
were separated using Ficoll-Paque PLUS.TM.. After centrifugation,
the MNC buffy coat was collected, washed in buffer containing
Ca.sup.2+ and cultured for 2-3 h in multiwell plates. Cell
viability was assessed using flow cytometry.
[0080] Two-photon imaging of lung tissue. Animals were anesthetized
and received injections of saline, sTRAIL, ES/TRAIL liposomes or ES
liposomes, followed by an injection of Hoescht-labeled cancer
cells, as described above. After two hours of cancer cell
circulation, an Alexa Fluor 568 labeled Annexin-V probe (#A13202,
Invitrogen) was injected retro-orbitally and allowed to circulate
for 2 h to ensure maximum detection of apoptotic cells. Animals
were then given a lethal dose of pentobarbital. After euthanasia,
intact lungs were resected and immediately imaged via two-photon
excited fluorescence microscopy. Two-photon imaging was conducted
on a locally-designed microscope using a train of 800-nm, 87-MHz,
100-fs pulses from a Ti:sapphire laser oscillator (MIRA HP, pumped
by a Verdi-V18, Coherent) for excitation. Laser scanning and data
acquisition were controlled by ScanImage software. For
high-resolution imaging of COLO 205 Hoechst-labeled nuclei and
Annexin V labeling a 20.times. (numerical aperture: 0.95)
water-immersion objective (Olympus) was used. Fluorescence was
detected using emission filters with 460-nm and 645-nm center
wavelength with 65-nm bandwidth to image Hoescht and Alexa Fluor
568 (Invitrogen), respectively. Spectrally-broad autofluorescence
from the lung tissue was visible in both channels.
[0081] Counting and viability scoring of COLO 205 cells in lung.
Hoechst-labeled COLO 205 cells were manually counted from .about.10
representative two-photon image stacks taken from the lung in each
mouse using Image J (NIH) cell counting software. The Hoechst
signal was of similar magnitude to the background lung
autofluorescence in the 460-nm channel. To aid in identifying
nuclei, the Hoechst channel was compared with the 645-nm channel,
where autofluorescence was also visible, but Hoescht was not and
Alexa Fluor 568 signal was significantly brighter than
autofluorescence. In addition, attributes such as size and shape to
distinguish the labeled COLO 205 cells were used. Each imaged
volume was about 0.022 mm.sup.3. The total number of cells in the
lung was estimated by scaling the imaged volumes to the total lung
volume, which was measured via a volume displacement method. Counts
were recorded by two different observers, each blinded to the
treatment received, and averaged. To determine which COLO 205 cells
were apoptotic, we determined whether Alexa Fluor 568 Annexin V
labeling was present at each of the COLO 205 cell nuclei we
identified.
[0082] Flow cytometry. Mode of cell death was analyzed using an
Annexin-V apoptosis assay on an Accuri C6 flow cytometer. Samples
were prepared for as per the manufacturer's instructions. Briefly,
cells were classified into four categories based on dye uptake:
viable cells (negative for Annexin-V and propidium iodide (PI)),
early apoptotic cells (positive for Annexin-V only), late apoptotic
cells (positive for Annexin-V and PI) and necrotic cells (positive
for PI only). For blood spiking experiments, fluorescent untreated
cancer cells and liposome treated samples were assessed for
viability using a flow cytometer. A gate was set based on a viable,
untreated cancer cell control. Equal volumes from all samples were
used for analysis. Cell viability was determined by measuring the
amount of cells positive for fluorescent BCECF staining. For in
vivo animal experiments, 100 .mu.L of each sample was processed. A
gate denoting viable, BCECF AM-labeled cancer cells was established
by processing a viable, fluorescent sample of COLO 205 cells in
buffer. COLO 205 cells recovered from mouse blood were
differentiated based on size and fluorescence using flow cytometry.
The number of cancer cells per milliliter of mouse blood was
determined based on the amount of mouse blood recovered from each
animal.
[0083] Statistical analysis. Where appropriate, student's t-test
and one-way ANOVA with Tukey post test comparing all means were
employed at a significance level of .alpha.=0.05. All statistical
analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism 5.0c for Mac OS X
GraphPad software (San Diego, Calif. USA) and Kaleidagraph
(Synergy) software.
[0084] Results
[0085] ES/TRAIL liposomes adhesively interact and induce apoptotic
cancer cell death under shear flow. Many types of circulating tumor
cells (CTC), and cancer cell lines derived from colon, breast,
prostate, and pancreas are known to display glycosylated ligands
that allow them to adhesively interact with E-selectin (ES) under
physiological shear flow. This has been proposed to explain why
some cancers home to tissue specific capillary beds such as the
bone marrow and liver. To target and kill cancer cells of this
form, we used nanoscale liposomes conjugated with a mixture of
recombinant human E-selectin (ES) protein and tumor necrosis factor
(TNF)-related apoptosis inducing ligand were developed (TRAIL; FIG.
1A, FIG. 7 and Table 1). ES/TRAIL liposomes consisting of a 10%
weight ratio of DOGS-Ni-NTA, utilized to conjugate ES and TRAIL to
the liposome surface, were found to be most effective at inducing
apoptotic cell death in a colorectal adenocarcinoma (COLO 205) cell
line under static conditions (FIG. 8), as determined using an
Annexin-V apoptosis assay.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Weight ratios of liposome formulations (with
increasing amounts of Ni-NTA0conjugated lipid, the corresponding
amount of egg PC lipid was decreased. Egg PC Egg SM Chol.Bdp-Chol
DOGS NTA-Ni (wt %) (wt %) (wt %) 0% NTA 60 30 10 1% NTA 59 30 10 5%
NTA 55 30 10 10% NTA 50 30 10
[0086] In the post-capillary venules where selectin-mediated
adhesion and cell extravasation into tissues typically occur,
moderate shear rates can initiate flowing cell interactions with
the endothelial cell wall. To recreate these physical forces in
vitro, a cone-and-plate shear assay was developed to probe the
interactions of cancer cells and ES/TRAIL liposomes under venular
shear rates. After exposure to shear flow (shear rate: 188 s.sup.1)
for 2 h, COLO 205 cells exposed to ES liposomes displayed their
normal morphology, while substantial membrane blebbing was observed
in those exposed to ES/TRAIL liposomes, characteristic of cells
undergoing apoptosis (FIG. 1B). Annexin-V assay revealed that
exposure to shear flow for 2 h induced minimal COLO 205 cell
apoptosis in untreated controls (FIG. 1C), in addition to treatment
with liposomes in the absence of conjugated protein (FIG. 1D) or
conjugated solely with ES (FIG. 1E) or TRAIL (FIG. 1F). However, a
combination of ES/TRAIL conjugated to the liposome surface induced
a significant decrease in COLO 205 viability following exposure to
shear flow (FIG. 1G, H).
[0087] To investigate the adhesive characteristics of ES/TRAIL
liposomes to cancer cells under flow, COLO 205 cells were exposed
to ES/TRAIL liposomes consisting of fluorescent cholesterol and
exposed to shear flow as in previous in vitro shear assays. Flow
cytometry revealed that >99.9% of the COLO 205 cell population
was adhered to ES/TRAIL liposomes after exposure to shear flow
(FIG. 9A,B). Fluorescent micrographs and brightfield overlay images
clearly displayed ES/TRAIL liposomes adhered to the surface of COLO
205 cells (Fig. S3C,D). These data suggest that the presence of the
ES adhesion receptor enhances the effect of TRAIL by promoting
tighter contacts with the cancer cell membrane.
[0088] ES/TRAIL liposomes functionalize leukocytes in whole blood
under shear flow in vitro. In addition to CTCs, circulating
leukocytes also possess ligands for E-selectin, which are necessary
in the inflammatory response and lymphocyte homing to lymphatic
tissues. To assess the potential to functionalize leukocytes with
ES/TRAIL to target and kill CTC, we treated whole human blood with
fluorescent ES/TRAIL liposomes under shear flow in a cone-and-plate
viscometer. Upon exposure to shear (shear rate: 188 s.sup.1),
ES/TRAIL liposomes readily bind to leukocytes via selectin ligands
on the leukocyte surface (FIG. 2A).
[0089] To quantify leukocyte subpopulations that adhere to ES/TRAIL
liposomes under flow, leukocytes were separated from whole blood
and analyzed for both leukocyte marker expression and adherent
ES/TRAIL liposomes using flow cytometry. Functionalized leukocytes
were labeled with CD3, CD14, CD16, CD19, and CD56 antibodies, as
such markers are commonly expressed on most T-lymphocytes,
monocytes, neutrophils, B-lymphocytes, and natural killer (NK)
cells, respectively. Minimal adhesion of ES/TRAIL liposomes to
leukocytes in blood was observed in the presence of a functional
blocking ES antibody (FIG. 2B-G). Minimal ES/TRAIL liposome
adhesion was also observed immediately after treatment with whole
blood. However, after exposure to shear flow, flow cytometry
analysis revealed that leukocyte subpopulations positive for CD3
(FIG. 2B), CD14 (FIG. 2C), CD16 (FIG. 2D), CD19 (FIG. 2E), and CD56
(FIG. 2F) adhered to ES/TRAIL liposomes to varying degrees (FIG.
2G). Adhesion was also observed on populations of lymphocytes,
which suggests that some cytotoxic patrolling of the lymphatic
system may also occur in vivo. Leukocyte subpopulations can vary in
their E-selectin ligand expression and thus could explain the
variations in the number of bound ES/TRAIL liposomes.
[0090] ES/TRAIL functionalization does not induce significant
leukocyte or endothelial cell death. To assess the effects of
ES/TRAIL functionalization on leukocyte viability, mononuclear
leukocytes isolated from human blood were treated with ES/TRAIL
liposomes under both static and shear flow conditions. Annexin-V
assays revealed no significant differences in leukocyte viability
when leukocytes were incubated with ES (FIG. 10B) or ES/TRAIL (FIG.
10C) liposomes under static conditions for 24 h, compared to
untreated leukocyte controls (FIG. 10A,D). Upon functionalization
with liposomes under shear flow for 2 h (shear rate: 188 s.sup.-1),
no significant decreases were found in ES (FIG. 10F) or ES/TRAIL
(FIG. 10G) functionalized leukocytes, compared to untreated
leukocyte controls (FIG. 10E, H). These data suggest that ES/TRAIL
liposomes can functionalize leukocytes under flow to target and
kill cancer cells, while exerting negligible cytotoxic effects on
leukocytes.
[0091] To assess the effects of ES/TRAIL functionalization on
endothelial cell viability, human umbilical vein endothelial cells
(HUVEC) were treated with ES/TRAIL liposomes in human blood under
shear flow conditions in vitro. Treatment with ES/TRAIL liposomes
or an equivalent concentration of soluble TRAIL in human blood
under shear flow for 4 h induced no significant differences in
HUVEC viability, compared to untreated HUVEC exposed to shear in
human blood (FIG. 11). These data suggest that
ES/TRAIL-functionalized leukocytes exert negligible toxic effects
on human endothelial cells under blood flow conditions.
[0092] Apoptotic effects of ES/TRAIL therapy are enhanced in human
blood under flow. Clinically, CTCs are sparsely distributed in the
complex milieu of whole blood, at concentrations as low as 1-100
cells/mL. To examine whether ES/TRAIL liposomes would effectively
target cancer cells in the presence of blood cells and serum under
flow conditions, we fluorescently labeled colorectal COLO 205 and
prostate PC-3 cancer cell lines and spiked them into human
peripheral blood. Surprisingly, under identical shear flow
conditions ES/TRAIL therapy was even more effective at killing
cancer cells in the presence of human blood (FIG. 3A-D), compared
to shearing COLO 205 or PC-3 cells alone in buffer (FIG. 3E), with
<5% of the fluorescent, viable cancer cell populations remaining
after ES/TRAIL treatment (FIG. 3E). These results suggest that
ES/TRAIL therapy is effective at targeting circulating cancer cells
derived from multiple organs in human blood.
[0093] To evaluate the impact of blood cells on the efficacy of
ES/TRAIL treatment, fluorescent COLO 205 and PC-3 cells were spiked
in human blood of varying hematocrit percentages. All additional
blood cell components were maintained, while the volume of removed
erythrocytes was replaced with plasma from the same blood donor.
Interestingly, the apoptotic effects were hematocrit-dependent, as
higher hematocrit significantly decreased the number of viable COLO
205 and PC-3 cells after ES/TRAIL treatment (FIG. 3F). The enhanced
apoptotic effect suggests that blood cell collisions under flow can
promote the apoptotic effects of ES/TRAIL liposomes.
[0094] To assess the mechanism by which leukocytes act as a
pervading carrier surface for functional TRAIL, blood was
pretreated with ES/TRAIL liposomes under shear flow, with blood
cells subsequently separated from unbound ES/TRAIL via
centrifugation and replaced with fresh blood plasma. ES/TRAIL
therapeutic effects under shear flow remained nearly identical, as
COLO 205 and PC-3 cells spiked into a suspension of blood with
washed, pretreated blood cells were killed at roughly the same rate
as unwashed blood (FIG. 4A-C). Thus, upon addition of the ES/TRAIL
liposomes to cancer cell-spiked blood, liposomes attach to the
surface of leukocytes, and are available for inducing apoptosis in
cancer cells that they come into contact with (FIG. 4D,E). As an
indicator of unbound ES/TRAIL liposomes and/or liposome fragments
remaining in human blood after shearing pretreatment, the toxicity
of supernatant collected from pretreated blood was tested in COLO
205 culture. An Annexin-V assay showed minimal COLO 205 cell death
after treatment with a supernatant of human plasma and unbound
ES/TRAIL, compared to cells treated with plasma supernatant alone
(FIG. 12). These data suggest that ES/TRAIL liposomes readily bind
to the surface of leukocytes, with minimal unbound liposomes
remaining, to target and kill cancer cells under flow.
[0095] ES/TRAIL functionalized leukocytes reduce number of viable
cancer cells in mouse circulation in vivo. To assess the cytotoxic
effects in vivo, ES/TRAIL liposomes were also tested for their
ability to kill cancer cells flowing in the peripheral circulation
of mice. Two million fluorescently labeled COLO 205 cells were
injected into the tail vein of immunocompetent C57BL/6J mice, 30
min after injection of 120 .mu.L of either ES/TRAIL liposomes, ES
liposomes, or soluble TRAIL (FIG. 5A). Tail vein injection was
utilized to model leukocyte/CTC interactions in mouse circulation,
as this technique has been an accepted and widely used model of
lung metastasis. For these studies, the use of recombinant human
E-selectin was continued because of its ability to bind both human
COLO 205 cancer cells and mouse neutrophils, which were previously
shown to have cross reactivity and roll on E-selectin. Mice were
sacrificed 2.5 h after the initial injection, and cancer cells were
recovered from the circulation via cardiac puncture. Cancer cells
were placed back into culture for 2-3 h before the number of viable
cells were quantified.
[0096] Using flow cytometry, we measured .about.130,000 cancer
cells/mL blood for mice injected with control ES liposomes,
compared to <2,000 cancer cells/mL blood surviving from ES/TRAIL
treated mice (FIG. 5B,C). Mice injected with buffer or soluble
TRAIL had intermediate numbers of cells (FIG. 5C) compared to ES
and ES/TRAIL-treated samples, likely indicating that ES
functionalized liposomes help to retain cancer cells in the
circulation by blocking selectin-mediated interaction of the COLO
205 cells with the endothelium. Brightfield micrographs of COLO 205
cells exposed to buffer and soluble TRAIL showed characteristic
cancer cell morphology (FIG. 5D). Micrographs of COLO 205 cells
exposed to ES revealed adherent leukocytes on the COLO 205 cell
surface without significant morphological change, while, whereas
the cancer cells from ES/TRAIL-treated mice showed notable membrane
blebbing of COLO 205 cells in the proximity of leukocytes (FIG.
5D). To assess the adhesion of ES/TRAIL liposomes to leukocytes in
mouse circulation, mice were injected with ES/TRAIL liposomes
tagged with fluorescent cholesterol, and were allowed to circulate
for 2.5 h. Brightfield overlay micrographs showed that leukocytes
recovered from the mouse circulation were functionalized with
ES/TRAIL liposomes (FIG. 5E), suggesting that ES/TRAIL remains
functionalized to leukocytes, which can exert cytotoxic effects
onto cancer cells in mouse circulation.
[0097] ES/TRAIL treatment reduces number and increases apoptosis of
remaining circulating COLO 205 cells lodged in vivo in mouse lung.
Previous studies have shown that more than 90% of tumor cells that
enter the vasculature via tail vein injection lodge into lung
vasculature within the first two hours. To assess the viability of
the remaining circulating cancer cells lodged within mice,
fluorescent COLO 205 cells lodged within the lungs of mice were
identified using two-photon excited fluorescence microscopy (FIG.
6A,B). Immediately following euthanasia, the lungs were resected,
and two-photon images were acquired in three regions of the lung
that were identical for each animal, to obtain an accurate estimate
of cell counts (FIG. 6A). Roughly twice as many cells were found in
the ES, sTRAIL, and buffer treated animals as the ES/TRAIL treated
animals (FIG. 6C), suggesting many COLO 205 cells had already died
and degenerated. The cancer cell density found in lung suggests
about 1.4 million cancer cells were lodged in the lung for buffer
treated animals (assuming a lung volume of .about.0.4 mL),
representing the bulk of the two million COLO 205 cells
injected.
[0098] We then evaluated the apoptotic effects of ES/TRAIL
liposomes on cancer cells that have already lodged into the lungs
of mice. After the injections of liposomes and COLO 205 at
previously used time points (FIG. 5A), we injected a solution of
Annexin-V tagged with a fluorescent Alexa 594 dye to assess for
phosphatidylserine flipping on the COLO 205 cell membrane,
characteristic of apoptosis. Mouse lungs were imaged using
two-photon microscopy to determine whether Hoescht-labeled COLO 205
cells were also positive for Annexin-V labeling. In addition to the
decreased density of cancer cells lodged in mouse lung (FIG. 6C) we
also found a dramatic increase in apoptosis of the cancer cells
(FIG. 6B,D) in the ES/TRAIL liposome treated mice as compared with
other groups. Soluble TRAIL protein injected into mice following
the same protocol displayed minimal cytotoxic activity comparable
to control, as expected due to its short circulation half-life.
Mice injected with ES/TRAIL liposomes survived for over two weeks
with no loss in body weight (n=3). These data suggests that
ES/TRAIL treatment serves to decrease the number of remaining
circulating COLO 205 cells lodged in mouse lung, while increasing
the fraction of them that are apoptotic.
[0099] Natural killer cells, activated by interleukin-2 or other
factors, are induced to present TRAIL protein on their surface.
These cells participate in immunosurveillance against
micrometastases in the body, and comprise 10-20% of peripheral
blood mononuclear cells. While the liposome-coated leukocytes
described here are not specifically programmed to actively invade
tissues and seek out solid tumors, they do have frequent
opportunities for incidental contact with CTCs in the bloodstream
and there may be some degree of homing of normally-functioning
leukocytes to solid tumors. We find that TRAIL is most potent when
it is tethered to the surface of leukocytes in shear flow--rather
than freely soluble or on untethered liposomes in the absence of
blood. Tethering nanoscale liposomes to the surface of peripheral
blood leukocytes is also beneficial for increasing liposome
circulation time, by avoiding renal clearance mechanisms.
[0100] While not intending to be bound by any particular theory, it
is believed that the much higher cytotoxic activity in shear flow
of leukocytes coated with ES/TRAIL liposomes have, compared to
isolated ES/TRAIL liposomes or soluble TRAIL protein may be due to
compressive force between surfaces. Two spherical particles
colliding in linear shear flow will experience a compressive force
between them which scales as F.sub.c.about..mu.*G*a*b, where L is
the fluid viscosity, G is the shear rate, and a and b are the radii
of the smaller and larger sphere, respectively. Thus, a 10 Lm
diameter leukocyte colliding with a cancer cell may experience 100
times the compressive force of a 100 nm liposome colliding with a
cancer cell. Compressive forces could flatten down any cell surface
glycocalyx composed of biologically inert macromolecules, thus
allowing TRAIL to come within a reactive distance to the cancer
cell death receptors and form bonds.
[0101] Recombinant human TRAIL/Apo2L, also known as PRO1762
developed by Amgen/Genentech, has been the subject of numerous
Phase 1, la, 2, and 3 clinical trials over the past decade, with
minimal adverse effects reported. There are many intracellular
proteins, such the inhibitors of apoptosis protein (IAPs) family
members that also confer TRAIL resistance to normal cells.
Additionally, the dosages of TRAIL used in this current study
ranged from 0.06-0.08 mg/kg, two orders of magnitude lower than the
clinical dosages of 1-30 mg/kg used in human clinical trials. While
different types of cancer cells show different levels of
sensitivity to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, it has been well documented
that there is a wide range of agents known to sensitize cancer
cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis, including conventional
chemotherapeutics (camptothecin, cisplatin, doxorubicin,
5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, paclitaxel, gemcitabine), proteasome
inhibitors, Bcl-2 inhibitors, IAP antagonists, HDAC inhibitors,
CD20 antibodies, irradiation, synthetic triterpenolds, Sorafenib,
aspirin, and natural products such as curcumin and
piperlongumine.
Example 2
[0102] This example describes the use of nanoparticles
functionalized with an cancer-specific apoptosis ligand TRAIL and
an antibody to CD57. These nanoparticles were used in a model for
lymph node micrometastases.
[0103] Materials and Methods
[0104] Microfabrication of silicon wafers and microbubble
formation. A lithography mask was designed with using AutoCAD LT
2008 (Autodesk, Inc., USA). The mask included three different types
arrays of rectangular trenches with 60 .mu.m, 100 .mu.m and 200
.mu.m circular openings. Depth of the trenches was 150 .mu.m.
Silicon wafers were produced from this mask (MEMS and
Nanotechnology Exchange, Virginia USA) using the Bosch deep
reactive ion etching (DRIE) process. The hydrophobic coating
produced during the Bosch process was left intact. The DRIE silicon
wafers were used to produce microbubble in PDMS. Dow Corning's
Sylgard.RTM. 184 silicone elastomer kit in a 10:1 base to curing
agent ratio (w/w) was manually mixed in a 50 mL tube for 2 min and
poured onto silicon wafers. The mixture was allowed to spread out
on the wafer for 30 min at room temperature and cured at
100.degree. C. for 2 hr. The PDMS was then peeled off from the
wafers and the arrays were cut in small chips to be used in cell
culture experiments. The experiments described in this work were
all performed on microbubbles formed from the 100 .mu.m circular
openings on the wafer.
[0105] Cell lines and culture conditions. Three lymph node seeking
metastatic cell lines from different types of cancers were used in
this study. LNCaP (prostate cancer), COLO 205 (colorectal cancer)
and MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer) were purchased from American Type
Culture Collection (ATCC) and maintained in culture at 37.degree.
C. with 5% CO.sub.2 in humidified incubator. LNCaP and COL0205
cells were cultured in RPMI-1640 (Cellgro, 10-040-CV) supplemented
with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) (Atlanta Biologicals, S11050H),
and 1% penicillin/streptomycin (PS) (Gibco.RTM., 15140-122).
MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured in high glucose DMEM (Gibco.RTM.,
11965-092) supplemented with 10% FBS and 1% PS. HNK-1, a hybridoma
cell line (ATCC.RTM. TIB-200.TM.) was cultured in RPMI-1640
(ATCC.RTM.30-2001.TM.) supplemented with 0.02 mM 2-mercaptoethanol
(Gibco.RTM., 21985-023) and 20% ultra low IgG FBS (Gibco.RTM.,
16250-078). The hybridoma line secretes anti-CD57 (IgM isotype), a
monoclonal antibody against human natural killer cells.
[0106] Preparation of TRAIL and anti-CD57 functionalized liposomes.
Hydro Soy PC L-.alpha.-phosphatidylcholine (HSPC), cholesterol,
1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy
(polyethylene glycol)-2000] (DSPE-mPEG2000) and 1,2
distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[maleimide
(polyethylene glycol)-2000](DSPE-Mal-mPEG2000) were purchased from
Avanti Polar Lipids (Alabaster, Ala., USA). Liposomes were composed
of HSPC: cholesterol: DSPE-mPEG200: DSPE-Mal-mPEG2000 at a molar
ratio of 2:1:0.08:0.02. Lipids were mixed to produce a total of 10
mM lipid in 1 mL and kept in a glass vial covered with parafilm
inside a vacuum glass chamber over night to remove residual organic
solvent. The lipid cake was then hydrated in 1 mL of buffer
composed of 20 mM 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic
acid (HEPES) and 150 mM sodium chloride in phosphate buffered
saline (PBS) at pH 7.5. The hydrated lipids formed multi-lamellar
vesicles and they were then disrupted by 10-15 freeze (2 min)/thaw
(3 min) cycle before extrusion. The lipid suspension was then
forced through a polycarbonate filter with successively smaller
pore size (400 nm, 200 nm and 100 nm) mounted on a holder in a
heating block (Avanti.RTM. mini-extruder). The temperature was
maintained at 60.degree. C. above the phase transition temperature
of the lipids.
[0107] Anti-CD57 was isolated from hybridoma supernatant using a
protein-L agarose column (Thermoscientific, 20510) following a
protocol supplied by the manufacturer for gravity-flow based
isolation of proteins. Recombinant human TRAIL (Peprotech 310-04)
and anti-CD57 were thiolated using 1 mM Traut's reagent
(Thermoscientific, 26101) added in 6-fold molar excess to the
proteins in solution. Excess Traut's reagent was removed using a
desalting column (Thermoscientific, 89889) by spinning the reaction
mixture three times for 2 min at 1000.times.g. Thiolated proteins
were then functionalized on the surface of liposomes overnight at
4.degree. C. via maleimide-thiol chemistry by adding an appropriate
amount of protein to set the concentration of maleimide in
liposomes at 6-fold molar excess to the concentration of thiol
groups in proteins. The protein-functionalized liposome was stored
at 4.degree. C. for up to a week and was prepared fresh whenever
required. Successful functionalization of proteins to liposomes was
determined by measuring the average particle size by dynamic light
scattering using a Malvern Zetasizer nano ZS (Malvern Instruments
Ltd., UK).
[0108] To produce fluorescent liposomes used in this study,
cholesterol in the lipid composition was replaced with TopFluor
cholesterol (Avanti polar lipids, 810225). The same protocol was
used to make fluorescent liposomes by minimizing the exposure to
light.
[0109] Conjugation of liposomes to natural killer cells. Natural
killer cells were isolated from whole blood of healthy volunteers
using the RosetteSep.TM. human NK cell enrichment cocktail
(Stemcell technologies, 15065) following the protocol supplied by
the manufacturer. NK cells were maintained in culture using
Myelocult.TM. (Stemcell technologies, H5100) supplemented with 1 mM
hydrocortisone and 100 U/mL of human recombinant interleukin-2
(IL-2) (Millipore, IL002).
[0110] For conjugating CD57-expressing NK cells to anti-CD57 and
TRAIL functionalized liposomes, NK cells were pelleted and
resuspended in 200 .mu.L of 2% bovine serum albumin (BSA). They
were then incubated with a specific volume of
protein-functionalized liposomes at 4.degree. C. for 1 hr. The
volume of liposomes to be added to 1.times.10.sup.6 NK cells was
determined by incubating 1.times.10.sup.6NK cells with 5, 10, 25
and 50 .mu.L of fluorescent liposomes. The NK cells were then
washed twice with PBS to remove any unbound liposomes by
centrifuging them at 1000 rpm for 10 min. The fluorescent intensity
histograms from flow cytometric analysis (BD Accuri.TM. C6 flow
cytometer) were used to determine the optimum volume of liposomes
to be added to 1.times.10.sup.6NK cells. Successful conjugation of
liposomes to NK cells was verified using flow cytometry and
fluorescent microscopy with appropriate filters on an Olympus IX81
microscope. NK cells conjugated to TRAIL-functionalized liposomes
are referred to herein as "super NK cells". To ensure that there
were no deleterious effects of conjugating TRAIL-functionalized
liposomes to NK cells, conjugated cells were cultured in vitro for
24 hr and stained for live cell marker Calcein-AM (Molecular
Probes.RTM., C3100MP).
[0111] Characterization of cell lines for death receptor
expression. Cancer cells were analyzed for the expression of death
receptors (DR4 and DR5) using flow cytometry (Guava Easycyte.TM.
flow cytometer). LNCaP, COLO 205 and MDA-MB-231 cells grown to
confluence in 6-well plates were washed with PBS and cells were
harvested using enzyme-free cell dissociation buffer (Gibco.RTM.,
13151-014). Approximately 0.5.times.10.sup.6 cells were resuspended
in 100 .mu.L 2% BSA. Cells were then incubated with 10 .mu.L of
PE-conjugated monoclonal antibody against DR4 (R&D Systems,
FAB347P) and DR5 (R&D Systems, FAB6311PS) and 10 .mu.L of
corresponding isotype control (R&D Systems, IC0041P) at
4.degree. C. for 45 min. Following incubation, unreacted antibodies
were removed by washing with PBS twice by centrifugation at 1000
rpm for 5 min. Cells were resuspended in 400-600 .mu.L of 1% BSA
for flow cytometric analysis.
[0112] Cell culture experiments in MB arrays. Super NK cells were
co-cultured with cancer cells in MB arrays at 37.degree. C. for 24
hr. For co-culturing super NK cells and cancer cells in MB arrays,
we followed the protocol described in detail previously. Briefly,
small chips (1 cm.times.0.5 cm) containing arrays of MB were rinsed
in 70% ethanol and distilled water and dried with nitrogen gas. The
backside of the chips was rendered hydrophilic by etching them in a
plasma chamber with atmospheric air for 10 min to keep the chips
submerged in cell culture media. The chips were then blocked and
subjected to negative pressure in a vacuum chamber to remove the
air trapped inside the microbubbles during the curing process. NK
cells were conjugated to TRAIL-functionalized liposomes as
described in Section 2.4 and about 0.1.times.10.sup.6 super NK
cells were resuspended in 200 .mu.L cell culture media composed of
RPMI-1640 supplemented with 10% FBS and 1% PS. Approximately 100
.mu.L of the cell stock solution was applied to top of the chip and
incubated for 30 min at room temperature (25.degree. C.) under
sterile conditions. After incubation, the cell solution was removed
and the chip was rinsed twice to remove any cells that may have
deposited on the surface outside the spherical cavities. After
seeding super NK cells, about 0.1.times.10.sup.6 cancer cells
(LNCaP, COLO205 and MDA-MB-231) in 200 .mu.L of cell culture media
was applied to the top of the chip and incubated for 10-15 min. The
chips were rinsed twice and then placed inside a single well of a
24-well plate filled with 1 mL of cell culture media. The 24-well
plate containing the MB chips was placed inside a humidified cell
culture chamber maintained at 37.degree. C. with 5% CO.sub.2.
[0113] The following control conditions were used in the cell
culture experiments. Before seeding MB arrays with cancer cells, MB
arrays were incubated with liposome buffer, naked liposomes
(liposome without TRAIL), TRAIL-functionalized liposomes,
unmodified NK cells.
[0114] In situ detection of apoptotic cancer cells. To determine
the therapeutic efficacy of the proposed approach, cells cultured
in MB arrays were stained in situ using an apoptosis detection kit
(Trevigen.RTM., 4840-01-K). The kit is based on Annexin V-FITC to
label early apoptotic cells and propidium iodide (PI) to label late
apoptotic/necrotic cells. Incubation reagent was prepared using a
protocol provided by the manufacturer. The reagent was further
diluted 1:10 times in 2% BSA. The MB chips were removed from
24-well plates and 100 .mu.L of diluted reagent was applied on top
of the MB chips. The chips were incubated for 30 min at room
temperature in the dark. After incubation, the chips were washed
gently 5-10 times by immersing them in a well containing PBS. The
chips were then imaged using an Olympus IX81 microscope with
appropriate filters for FITC and PI. Images were taken at 12 hr and
24 hr after culture to label apoptotic cancer cells.
[0115] Digital images from fluorescence microscopy were processed
using ImageJ after normalizing for background intensity (NIH, USA).
A region of interest was defined around each microbubble for
analysis of Annexin V-FITC and PI staining. Areas were analyzed for
the mean intensity and the values are reported as bar graphs for a
quantitative measure of apoptotic cancer cells in MB arrays. The
mean pixel intensity between different treatment groups was
compared for statistical significance using unpaired student
t-test.
[0116] Confocal microscopy. NK cells were labelled with CellTracker
green (Molecular Probes.RTM., C7025) and LNCaP cells were labelled
with CellTracker red (Molecular Probes.RTM., C34552) and seeded on
MB arrays following the protocol mentioned in Section 2.6. The
chips were then transferred into a glass bottomed 24-well plate and
imaged using a Zeiss 710 laser scanning confocal microscope.
[0117] Results
[0118] Microbubbles geometry closely recapitulates the anatomy of
deep cortical unit of a lymph node. In this work we were interested
in developing a unique application of MB arrays as a model for
mimicking lymph node micrometastases. Their semi-rounded geometry
with a single circular opening on the top closely resembles the
semi-rounded anatomy of a deep cortical unit of a lymph node
centered on the top of an afferent lymphatic. PDMS is a commonly
used polymer for cell culture applications. Apart from mimicking
the deep cortical unit of a lymph node in terms of anatomy, PDMS
provides a realistic mechanical loading to cells. The elastic
modulus of PDMS is 50-200 kPa, which is very close to the modulus
of several soft tissues including lymph nodes. The top view and
side view of MB formed from 100 .mu.m circular openings are shown
in FIG. 19.
[0119] Characterization of TRAIL and anti-CD57 functionalized
liposome. Successful functionalization of TRAIL and anti-CD57 on
the liposome surface is mediated by maleimide-thiol conjugation as
indicated in FIGS. 14A and 14B. NK cells isolated from whole blood
were maintained in culture (FIG. 20A) and flow cytometry histograms
indicated that NK cells were positive for CD57 expression (FIG.
20B). CD57 is a marker for terminal differentiation in T-cells and
it is expressed by a distinctly mature subpopulation of human NK
cells. The size distribution of naked liposomes and
protein-functionalized liposomes was analyzed using a zetasizer.
The average size of naked liposomes was 112.17.+-.1.62 nm and TRAIL
and anti-CD57 functionalized liposomes were roughly 45-55 nm larger
than naked liposome (FIG. 14D). The increase in size of liposomes
after protein incubation indicated that TRAIL and anti-CD57 have
been functionalized on the surface of liposomes.
[0120] Anti-CD57 on the liposome surface mediates conjugation of
liposome to NK cells. Conjugation of TRAIL-functionalized liposomes
to NK cells is mediated by CD57 expressed on the surface of NK
cells and anti-CD57 functionalized on the liposome surface (FIG.
14C). Conjugating TRAIL-functionalized liposomes to NK cells did
not cause any detrimental effects on NK cells (FIGS. 20C and 20D).
It has been shown that long-circulating liposomes can effectively
target solid tumors in cancer patients. Conjugating liposomes to NK
cells can further increase the circulating time, which is an
important criterion for targeted drug delivery. Additionally, since
the natural niche of NK cells is lymph nodes, conjugating
therapeutic liposomes to NK cells can specifically target
micrometastases in the lymph nodes. To ensure successful
conjugation of TRAIL-functionalized liposomes to NK cells,
liposomes composed of fluorescent TopFluor cholesterol were used.
Fluorescent images indicated that liposomes were successfully
conjugated to NK cells (FIG. 15A). Closer examination indicated
that liposomes were evenly coated on the surface of NK cells (FIG.
15A inset). Flow cytometric analysis revealed that NK cells
conjugated to fluorescent liposomes functionalized with anti-CD57
showed a shift in fluorescent intensity peak with respect to NK
cells conjugated to non-fluorescent liposomes (FIG. 15B). To
investigate any non-specific interaction of liposomes with NK
cells, NK cells were incubated with fluorescent liposomes without
functionalized anti-CD57. Fluorescent intensity peak showed a small
shift with respect to the control, indicating that there was
minimal non-specific interaction. Functionalizing more PEG on the
liposome surface could further reduce non-specific interactions. To
determine the volume of liposomes needed to completely saturate the
CD57 receptors on NK cells, 1.times.10.sup.6 NK cells were
incubated with different volumes of fluorescent liposomes. Flow
cytometry histograms indicated increasing shift in fluorescent
intensity peak for increasing volume of liposomes. For a treatment
volume of 25 .mu.L and 50 .mu.L, there was no change in fluorescent
intensity peak, indicating that a treatment volume of 25 .mu.L
saturated all the available CD57 receptors on the surface of NK
cells (FIG. 15C).
[0121] Cancer cell lines cultured in microbubbles form small
micrometastasis-like spheroids. Micrometastases are small
aggregates of cancer cells less than 2 mm in diameter and they can
remain dormant for many years before forming overt metastases.
Microfabrication has led to the development of 3D cell culture
systems which have taken cancer cell lines a step closer to in vivo
tumors. A model for micrometastasis should be able to recapitulate
the in vivo microenvironment. Microenvironment plays an important
role in driving cells in micrometastasis progressively towards
becoming an established metastatic lesion ultimately leading to
secondary metastases5. We have shown that MB arrays can concentrate
soluble factors secreted by cells to create a microenvironmental
niche for cells cultured in them47. Cancer cells seeded in MB
arrays form micrometastasis-like aggregates 24 hr after culture
(FIG. 16). We seeded MDA-MB-231 (FIG. 16A), COL0205 (FIG. 16B) and
LNCaP (FIG. 16C) cells at similar seeding density and observed the
formation of micrometastasis-like aggregates after 24 hr in culture
(FIG. 16D-F).
[0122] Cancer cells progressively become apoptotic when cultured
with super NK cells in MB. To determine the effectiveness of super
NK cells in targeting cancer cells, super NK cells were seeded
prior to seeding cancer cells first in MB arrays. Confocal
micrographs of LNCaP cells labelled with CellTracker red and super
NK cells labelled with CellTracker green cultured in a single MB
are shown in FIG. 21. The images shown are a superimposition of all
the Z-plane images acquired with individual filters for LNCaP cells
(FIG. 21A) and super NK cells (FIG. 21B), and both the channels to
visualize the co-culture of LNCaP and super NK cells in a MB (FIG.
21C). The cell lines chosen for this study were based on reports
suggesting that these cells readily metastasize to the lymph nodes
in experimental animal models (MDA-MB-23159, COLO 20560 and
LNCaP61). The cell lines were characterized for the expression of
death receptors (DR4 and DR5). Flow cytometric analysis for surface
expression of DR indicated that the three cell lines showed
positive expression of death receptors (FIG. 22). TRAIL has been
shown to induce apoptosis in cancer cells by binding to death
receptors. TRAIL is a toxin that is involved in the body's natural
defense mechanism that holds advantages over other chemotherapeutic
drugs that can be toxic to non-cancerous cells62. The first step
taken by cells undergoing apoptosis is the loss of membrane
integrity, which leads to the exposure of phospholipids. Annexin-V
based apoptosis detection assay exploits this loss of membrane
integrity. Annexin-V binds to exposed phospholipids in cells
undergoing apoptosis and is a marker for early stages of
apoptosis63. Propidium iodide (PI) is a fluorescent membrane
impermeable DNA binding stain that is a marker for dead cells those
have completely lost membrane integrity63. Fluorescein
isothiocyanate (FITC) conjugated Annexin-V and PI were used to
label apoptotic and dead cells in situ in MB arrays seeded with
cancer cells and super NK cells. We noticed that cancer cells were
progressively driven towards apoptosis. After 12 hr of incubation
of super NK cells with MDA-MB-231 (FIG. 17A), COL0205 (FIG. 17B)
and LNCaP cells (FIG. 17C), most of the cells were positive for
Annexin-V staining (green, seen as bright in black & white) and
very few cells stained positive for PI (red, seen as dull grey in
black & white) (FIG. 17D-5F), indicating that the cells were
primarily in early stages of apoptosis. After 24 hr of incubation
most of the cells formed a heterotypic aggregate and it was hard to
distinguish between super NK cells and cancer cells (FIG. 17G-17I).
Super NK cells seeded in MB arrays without cancer cells did not
form aggregates but mostly remained as individual cells even 24 hr
after culture (FIG. 23A). By the end of 24 hr, cells were positive
for PI (red, seen as dull grey in black & white), indicating
that most of the cells were dead (FIG. 17J-17L). The mean pixel
intensity for Annexin-V FITC and PI positive cells was quantified
using ImageJ software and the bar graphs indicate that by 12 hr,
most of the cells were positive for Annexin-V and by 24 hr, most of
the cells were positive for PI (FIG. 18A). We conclude that cells
that stained positively for Annexin-V and PI in co-cultured MB
arrays were cancer cells since in a few MB where cancer cells
formed a separate aggregate away from super NK cells, only cancer
cell aggregates stained positive for Annexin-V and PI (FIG. 23B).
Additionally, in MB arrays with only super NK cells there was no
staining for either Annexin-V or FITC (FIG. 23B). MB arrays
incubated with liposome buffer prior to cancer cell seeding (FIGS.
24A and 24B) were found to form healthy aggregates by the end of 24
hr and did not stain positive for PI. Naked liposomes were not able
to induce apoptosis in cancer cells (FIGS. 24C and 24D) whereas
liposomes functionalized with TRAIL were able to induce apoptosis
in cancer cells (FIGS. 24E and 24F). NK cells were able to mediate
apoptosis in cancer cells but the response was not significant
(FIGS. 24G and 24H) in comparison to super NK cells (FIGS. 241 and
24J). The mean intensity for PI positive cells after 24 hr in
culture indicates that super NK cells more significantly induced
apoptosis in cancer cells in comparison to NK cells and
TRAIL-functionalized liposomes (FIG. 18B).
[0123] Identification of disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) in lymph
nodes has served as a prognosticator of poor survival in several
types of cancers. The results from several clinical studies suggest
that DTCs can remain inactive for several years before a patient is
diagnosed with overt metastasis. This has led to the development of
several targeted therapies to target micrometastases within a
relatively short span of time. However, to date, an adaptive immune
therapy based approach to amplify the therapeutic potential of
endogenous NK cells has not been proposed. In this work we used
microbubble arrays formed on PDMS as an in vitro model for
mimicking lymph node micrometastases. We showed that lymph
node-seeking cancer cells cultured with NK cells conjugated to
TRAIL-functionalized liposomes in MB arrays begin to undergo
apoptosis after 24 hr in culture. Our data indicates the usefulness
of the present method for targeted therapies for cancer cells
metastasizing to lymph nodes.
Example 3
[0124] This example provides another illustration of this
disclosure where the intermediate cells are CD34+ hematopoietic
stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). The nanoparticles can be coated
with (i.e., functionalized) anti-CD34 antibody and TRAIL. A
composition comprising such nanoparticles can be administered as
described herein. In the circulation, the liposomes will quickly
attach to the surface of CD34+ HSPC, causing the HSPC to be coated
with the therapeutic protein TRAIL. The TRAIL-coated HSPC will then
"home" back to the bone marrow through the natural stem cell homing
process. This phenomenon is well known and forms the basis for bone
marrow transplant, in which HSPC are introduced intravenously to a
bone marrow recipient, and then the HSPC find their way back to the
bone marrow and engraft there. It may be advantageous to repeat
with one additional liposome dose 24 hours after the first dose, as
the stem cell homing process is gradual and is promoted by the
reestablishment of the natural GCSF chemotactic gradient into the
marrow (after exogenous GCSF is cleared from the system). Once in
the bone marrow microenvironment, TRAIL-coated HSPC will come into
close contact with dormant tumor cells residing in the bone marrow,
and will induce apoptosis, programmed cell death, in the tumor
cells. It is expected that the effects of the TRAIL protein will be
transient: sufficient to induce apoptosis in bone-marrow-residing
dormant tumor cells, but without any lasting effects on
erythropoiesis.
[0125] To mobilize the HSPCs, the patient may be treated for
several (such as up to 5, from 5-10 or more) days with granulocyte
colony stimulating factor (GCSF), which is known to "mobilize" the
HSPCs from the bone marrow into the peripheral circulation. GCSF is
a natural peptide and a clinically approved drug, which is used to
mobilize HSPC to the peripheral circulation. When the HSPCs are in
the peripheral circulation, they can be harvested for directed
functionalization, or the individual can be administered the
nanoparticle composition.
[0126] The therapeutic molecule placed on the liposomes which
becomes attached to the surface of HSPC does not have to be TRAIL,
and can be any type of molecule that causes cancer cell death via
surface contact interactions. The therapeutic molecule need not be
attached to the HSPC via nanoscale liposomes functionalized with
antibody, and could be attached via some other type of nano
particle, or even a composite molecule with a therapeutic domain
conjugated to an adhesion/attachment end. A feature of this
embodiment is the sequential process of: (1) causing HSPC to leave
the BM and enter into the peripheral circulation, (2) attachment of
therapeutic molecule carrying nanoparticles to the HSPC surface
while the HSPC are in the peripheral circulation, and (3)
exploiting the natural tendency of HSPC to home back to the bone
marrow, to carry the therapeutic molecule to the bone marrow and
neutralize (dormant) tumor cells that are residing in the bone
marrow.
[0127] Although the present invention has been described for the
purpose of illustration, it is understood that such detail is
solely for that purpose and variations can be made by those skilled
in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention which is defined by the following claims.
* * * * *