Novel Central Nervous System Drug Delivery Systems

For decades, biomedical and pharmaceutical researchers have worked to devise new and more effective therapeutics to treat diseases affecting the central nervous system. The blood–brain barrier effectively protects the brain, but poses a profound challenge to drug delivery across this barrier. Many traditional drugs cannot cross the blood–brain barrier in appreciable concentrations, with less than 1% of most drugs reaching the central nervous system, leading to a lack of available treatments for many central nervous system diseases, such as stroke, neurodegenerative disorders, and brain tumors. Due to the ineffective nature of most treatments for central nervous system disorders, the development of novel drug delivery systems is an area of great interest and active research. Multiple novel strategies show promise for effective central nervous system drug delivery, giving potential for more effective and safer therapies in the future. This review outlines several novel drug delivery techniques, including intranasal drug delivery, nanoparticles, drug modifications, convection‐enhanced infusion, and ultrasound‐mediated drug delivery. It also assesses possible clinical applications, limitations, and examples of current clinical and preclinical research for each of these drug delivery approaches. Improved central nervous system drug delivery is extremely important and will allow for improved treatment of central nervous system diseases, causing improved therapies for those who are affected by central nervous system diseases.     

Desensitization of T lymphocyte function by CXCR3 ligands in human hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: Despite the presence of lymphocyte infiltration, human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is typically a rapidly progressive disease. The mechanism of regulation of lymphocyte migration is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated various factors regulating T cell migration in HCC patients. We examined serum CXC chemokine levels in HCC patients and demonstrated the production of CXC chemokines by HCC cell lines. We determined the effect of both HCC patient serum and tumor cell conditioned supernatant upon lymphocyte expression of chemokine receptor CXCR3 as well as lymphocyte migration. Lastly, we examined the chemotactic responses of lymphocytes derived from HCC patients. METHODS: The serum chemokines IP-10 (CXCL10) and Mig (CXCL9) levels were measured by cytometric bead array (CBA) and the tumor tissue IP-10 concentration was measured by ELISA. The surface expression of CXCR3 on lymphocytes was determined by flow cytometry. The migratory function of lymphocytes to the corresponding chemokines was assessed using an in vitro chemotactic assay. Phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was determined by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Increased levels of IP-10 and Mig were detected in HCC patient serum and culture supernatants of HCC cell lines. The IP-10 concentration in the tumor was significantly higher than that in the non-involved adjacent liver tissues. HCC cell lines secreted functional chemokines that induced a CXCR3-specific chemotactic response of lymphocytes. Furthermore, tumor-cell-derived chemokines induced initial rapid phosphorylation of lymphocyte ERK followed by later inhibition of ERK phosphorylation. The culture of normal lymphocytes with HCC cell line supernatants or medium containing serum from HCC patients resulted in a significant reduction in the proportion of lymphocytes exhibiting surface expression of CXCR3. The reduction in T cell expression of CXCR3 resulted in reduced migration toward the ligand IP-10, and both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from HCC patients exhibited diminished chemotactic responses to IP-10 In vitro compared to T cells from healthy control subjects. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates functional desensitization of the chemokine receptor CXCR3 in lymphocytes from HCC patients by CXCR3 ligands secreted by tumor cells. This may cause lymphocyte dysfunction and subsequently impaired immune defense against the tumor.     

One-Pot Self-Assembly of Dinuclear,Tetranuclear, and H-Bonding-Directed Polynuclear Cobalt(II), Cobalt(III), and Mixed-Valence Co(II)/Co(III) Complexes of Schiff Base Ligands with Incomplete Double Cubane Core

The reaction of 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol (DFMF) with 1-amino-2-propanol (AP) and tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (THMAM) was investigated in the presence of Cobalt(II) salts, (X = ClO₄⁻, CH₃CO₂⁻, Cl⁻, NO₃⁻), sodium azide (NaN₃), and triethylamine (TEA). In one pot, the variation in Cobalt(II) salt results in the self-assembly of dinuclear, tetranuclear, and H-bonding-directed polynuclear coordination complexes of Cobalt(III), Cobalt(II), and mixed-valence Co^IICo^III: [Co₂^III(H₂L⁻¹)₂(AP⁻¹)(N₃)](ClO₄)₂ (1), [Co₄(H₂L⁻¹)₂(µ₃-1,1,1-N₃)₂(µ-1,1-N₃)₂Cl₂(CH₃OH)₂]·4CH₃OH (2), [Co₂^IICo₂^III(HL⁻²)₂(µ-CH₃CO₂)₂(µ₃-OH)₂](NO₃)₂·2CH₃CH₂OH (3), and [Co₂^IICo₂^III (H₂L1²⁻)₂(THMAM⁻¹)₂](NO₃)₄ (4). In 1, two cobalt(III) ions are connected via three single atom bridges; two from deprotonated ethanolic oxygen atoms in the side arms of the ligands and one from the1-amino-2-propanol moiety forming a dinuclear unit with a very short (2.5430(11) Å) Co-Co intermetallic separation with a coordination number of 7, a rare feature for cobalt(III). In 2, two cobalt(II) ions in a dinuclear unit are bridged through phenoxide O and μ₃-1,1,1-N₃ azido bridges, and the two dinuclear units are interconnected by two μ-1,1-N₃ and two μ₃-1,1,1-N₃ azido bridges generating tetranuclear cationic [Co₄(H₂L⁻¹)₂(µ₃-1,1,1-N₃)₂(µ-1,1-N₃)₂Cl₂(CH₃OH)₂]²⁺ units with an incomplete double cubane core, which grow into polynuclear 1D-single chains along the a-axis through H-bonding. In 3, HL²⁻ holds mixed-valent Co(II)/Co(III) ions in a dinuclear unit bridged via phenoxide O, μ-1,3-CH₃CO₂⁻, and μ₃-OH⁻ bridges, and the dinuclear units are interconnected through two deprotonated ethanolic O in the side arms of the ligands and two μ₃-OH⁻ bridges generating cationic tetranuclear [Co₂^IICo₂^III(HL⁻²)₂(µ-CH₃CO₂)₂(µ_3-OH)₂]²⁺ units with an incomplete double cubane core. In 4, H₂L1⁻² holds mixed-valent Co(II)/Co(III) ions in dinuclear units which dimerize through two ethanolic O (μ-RO⁻) in the side arms of the ligands and two ethanolic O (μ₃-RO⁻) of THMAM bridges producing centrosymmetric cationic tetranuclear [Co₂^IICo₂^III (H₂L1⁻²)₂(THMAM⁻¹)₂]⁴⁺ units which grow into 2D-sheets along the bc-axis through a network of H-bonding. Bulk magnetization measurements on 2 demonstrate that the magnetic interactions are completely dominated by an overall ferromagnetic coupling occurring between Co(II) ions.     

Recent progress in allosteric modulators for GluN2A subunit and development of GluN2A‐selective nuclear imaging probes

N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors play key roles in physiology by regulating the synaptic plasticity and the cellular mechanism involved in learning and memory. The GluN2A subunit is the most abundant expression of NMDA receptors in mature brain, and its dysfunction has been implicated in various neurological disorders. However, the function of GluN2A subunit in physiological and pathological conditions is not yet completely unveil due to the lack of subunit‐selective ligands, including specific positron emission tomography (PET)/single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging probes. In this review, recent progresses in understanding its pathophysiological role, the structure‐activity relationship, and the postulated mechanisms of novel GluN2A ligands as well as status of molecular imaging probes for PET are summarized.     

Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 in ischemic stroke: outcome and therapeutic values

Stroke triggers an intense inflammatory response that could be a consequence of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) activation. However, the clinical significance and the therapeutic possibilities of TLR in stroke is not completely clear. In this study, we analyze the association between the expression of TLR2 and TLR4, inflammatory molecules and endogenous ligands, and clinical outcome of ischemic stroke patients, and we test the potential of TLR2/TLR4 and their endogenous ligands as therapeutic targets. For this purpose, we included 110 patients with ischemic stroke finding that TLR2 and TLR4 are independently associated to poor outcome and correlated with higher serum levels of interleukin (IL)1β, IL6, tumor necrosis factor α, and VCAM1, and that TLR4 was independently associated to lesion volume. In addition, we have developed an in vitro model to test the potential therapeutic value of blocking TLR2/TLR4 or their endogenous ligands. Cultured cells (monocytes and human umbilical vein endothelial cells) were treated with serum from ischemic stroke patients, showing a strong inflammatory response that was blocked when TLR2/4 or cellular fibronectin (cFN) or HSP60 were blocked. In conclusion, TLR2 and TLR4 are associated to outcome in stroke patients and TLR2/4 or their endogenous ligands, cFN/HSP60 could be new therapeutic targets for ischemic stroke.     

Phage-Displayed Peptides for Targeting Tyrosine Kinase Membrane Receptors in Cancer Therapy

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) regulate critical physiological processes, such as cell growth, survival, motility, and metabolism. Abnormal activation of RTKs and relative downstream signaling is implicated in cancer pathogenesis. Phage display allows the rapid selection of peptide ligands of membrane receptors. These peptides can target in vitro and in vivo tumor cells and represent a novel therapeutic approach for cancer therapy. Further, they are more convenient compared to antibodies, being less expensive and non-immunogenic. In this review, we describe the state-of-the-art of phage display for development of peptide ligands of tyrosine kinase membrane receptors and discuss their potential applications for tumor-targeted therapy.     

Antiviral Activity of the G-Quadruplex Ligand TMPyP4 against Herpes Simplex Virus-1

The herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) genome is extremely rich in guanine tracts that fold into G-quadruplexes (G4s), nucleic acid secondary structures implicated in key biological functions. Viral G4s were visualized in HSV-1 infected cells, with massive virus cycle-dependent G4-formation peaking during viral DNA replication. Small molecules that specifically interact with G4s have been shown to inhibit HSV-1 DNA replication. We here investigated the antiviral activity of TMPyP4, a porphyrin known to interact with G4s. The analogue TMPyP2, with lower G4 affinity, was used as control. We showed by biophysical analysis that TMPyP4 interacts with HSV-1 G4s, and inhibits polymerase progression in vitro; in infected cells, it displayed good antiviral activity which, however, was independent of inhibition of virus DNA replication or entry. At low TMPyP4 concentration, the virus released by the cells was almost null, while inside the cell virus amounts were at control levels. TEM analysis showed that virus particles were trapped inside cytoplasmatic vesicles, which could not be ascribed to autophagy, as proven by RT-qPCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence analysis. Our data indicate a unique mechanism of action of TMPyP4 against HSV-1, and suggest the unprecedented involvement of currently unknown G4s in viral or antiviral cellular defense pathways.     

CD14 dependence of TLR4 endocytosis and TRIF signaling displays ligand specificity and is dissociable in endotoxin tolerance

Dimerization of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD2) heterodimers is critical for both MyD88- and TIR-domain–containing adapter-inducing IFN-β (TRIF)-mediated signaling pathways. Recently, Zanoni et al. [(2011) Cell 147(4):868–880] reported that cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) is required for LPS-/Escherichia coli- induced TLR4 internalization into endosomes and activation of TRIF-mediated signaling in macrophages. We confirmed their findings with LPS but report here that CD14 is not required for receptor endocytosis and downstream signaling mediated by TLR4/MD2 agonistic antibody (UT12) and synthetic small-molecule TLR4 ligands (1Z105) in murine macrophages. CD14 deficiency completely ablated the LPS-induced TBK1/IRF3 signaling axis that mediates production of IFN-β in murine macrophages without affecting MyD88-mediated signaling, including NF-κB, MAPK activation, and TNF-α and IL-6 production. However, neither the MyD88- nor TRIF-signaling pathways and their associated cytokine profiles were altered in the absence of CD14 in UT12- or 1Z105-treated murine macrophages. Eritoran (E5564), a lipid A antagonist that binds the MD2 “pocket,” completely blocked LPS- and 1Z105-driven, but not UT12-induced, TLR4 dimerization and endocytosis. Furthermore, TLR4 endocytosis is induced in macrophages tolerized by exposure to either LPS or UT12 and is independent of CD14. These data indicate that TLR4 receptor endocytosis and the TRIF-signaling pathway are dissociable and that TLR4 internalization in macrophages can be induced by UT12, 1Z105, and during endotoxin tolerance in the absence of CD14.Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling plays a crucial role in host defense against Gram-negative bacteria by recognizing the outer membrane component, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1–3). TLR4 signaling is initiated by transfer of an LPS monomer from LPS binding protein (LBP) to cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) (GPI-linked or soluble). In turn, CD14 transfers monomeric LPS to myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD-2), a protein that associates noncovalently with TLR4 (4). Appropriate ligand binding to MD2 results in dimerization of two TLR4/MD2 complexes (4). TLR4 is unique in that it is the only TLR that activates both myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) and TIR-domain–containing adapter-inducing IFN-β (TRIF)-dependent signaling pathways (5, 6). MyD88-mediated, TLR4 signaling occurs mainly at plasma membranes and involves IL-1R–associated kinases phosphorylation, association of TNF-receptor–associated factor 6, and downstream signaling that results in NF-κB activation and induction of proinflammatory mediators such as TNF-α and IL-6 (7). In contrast, TRIF-mediated signaling in response to LPS occurs at the endosomal membrane after internalization of the TLR4 that, in turn, activates IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), resulting in production of IFN-β, IP-10, and other IRF-3–dependent genes, as well as delayed NF-κB activation (8). Recent studies have shown that the endocytosis of TLR4 is tightly controlled by several molecules. Rab11a, ARF6, and p120-catenin have been implicated in Escherichia coli/LPS-induced TLR4 endocytosis and IRF3 activation (9–11). Zanoni et al. showed that CD14 plays critical roles in translocation of TLR4 into endosomes and in activation of IRF3 that are dependent upon the enzymatic activities of PLCγ2 and Syk (12). However, CD14-independent TLR4 endocytosis and TRIF signaling have not been reported.UT12 is a monoclonal antibody (MAb) with specificity for the mouse TLR4/MD2 complex and mediates LPS-like signaling (13). It has been shown that UT12 induces endotoxic shock-like symptoms in mice including augmentation of TNF-α and IL-6. Furthermore, UT12 induced long-term tolerance and protection against LPS-induced lethal shock in mice (14). However, the ability of UT12 to induce translocation of TLR4/MD2 into endosomes, as well as its potential for mediating TRIF-dependent signaling, has not been reported. Recently, a group of substituted pyrimido[5,4-b]indoles, synthetic ligands for TLR4 that activate NF-κB that act in a CD14-independent manner, were discovered by high-throughput screening (15). These synthetic ligands induced IL-6 and IP-10 in a TLR4/MD2-dependent, but CD14-independent manner (16). They, too, have not been tested for TLR4 endocytosis and TRIF-dependent intermediates.In this study, we report, for the first time to our knowledge, CD14-independent translocation of TLR4 to endosomes and TRIF signaling by UT12 and small synthetic TLR4 ligands (1Z105). A TLR4 antagonist, Eritoran, that binds to a deep hydrophobic pocket in MD2 and blocks signaling induced by LPS, UT12, and 1Z105, blocked only TLR4 internalization and dimerization induced by LPS and 1Z105. Despite TLR4/MD2 internalization, endotoxin-tolerized macrophages fail to activate TRIF-mediated signaling. These findings reveal previously unidentified insights into the possible role of CD14 in LPS-mediated TLR4 endocytosis and signaling and demonstrate that TLR4 endocytosis and signaling are dissociable processes.     

纤连蛋白对肿瘤坏死因子相关凋亡诱导配体诱导肝星状细胞凋亡的影响

目的研究纤连蛋白（FN）对肿瘤坏死因子相关凋亡诱导配体（TRAIL）诱导肝星状细胞fHSC）凋亡的影响及调控机制。方法MTr比色法、流式细胞术检测加入FN时,外源性TRAIL对HSC-T6细胞增殖和诱导细胞凋亡的影响;采用WesternBlot检测粘着斑激酶（FAK）、磷酸化粘着斑激酶（pFAK）、Bax的表达。结果TRAIL可以抑制HSC-T6细胞增殖。可以诱导HSC-T6细胞凋亡,而FN的存在可以使TRAIL诱导的HSC—T6细胞凋亡明显减少（P〈0．05）,WesternBlot分析显示TRAIL诱导I-ISC-T6细胞凋亡时加入FN,细胞浆pFAK表达上调而线粒体Bax表达下降。结论FN可以使外源性TRAIL诱导的HSC-T6细胞凋亡减,扮．棚制可能与FN但伸FAK磷酪仙．pFAK表达上调并减少线粒体Bax表达有关。