Biomimetic nanoparticles coated with ScFv-modified macrophage membranes for siRNA delivery to relieve brain metastases of lung cancer.

Abstract

Background: In China, lung cancer stands as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, often resulting in brain metastases (BM) that severely compromise patients' quality of life and reduce survival outcomes. The delivery of drugs to the brain is further complicated by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). To address this, we developed EGFR single-chain fragment variable (scFv)-modified macrophage membrane liposomes (scFv-MML) encapsulating LPCAT1 siRNA (scFv-MML@LPCAT1si) as a targeted therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) BM.

Methods: EGFR scFv-pcDNA3.1(-) plasmids were transfected into RAW 264.7 cells to generate RAW 264.7-scFv cells. Macrophage membranes were isolated from these cells and used to coat liposomes (Lip) encapsulating LPCAT1 siRNA via extrusion. The cellular uptake, LPCAT1 silencing, and anti-tumor efficacy of scFv-MML@LPCAT1si were evaluated in vitro using PC9 lung cancer cells. In vivo studies were performed in a mouse model of NSCLC BM to assess tumor targeting, accumulation, and therapeutic effects.

Results: In vitro, scFv-MML@LPCAT1si exhibited superior cellular uptake and silencing of LPCAT1 expression in EGFR-positive PC9 cells compared to control liposomes, leading to increased cell apoptosis and decreased proliferation. In vivo, scFv-MML@LPCAT1si showed improved tumor targeting and accumulation in the brain, effectively slowing tumor growth and reducing body weight loss in mice with NSCLC BM. The biodistribution study revealed sustained tumor fluorescence intensity for more than 24 h after injection, with significant retention of siRNA within the tumor site. No significant systemic toxicity or organ damage was observed in mice treated with scFv-MML@LPCAT1si.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that scFv-MML@LPCAT1si represents a promising targeted therapy for NSCLC BM, leveraging the unique properties of scFv-MML to traverse the BBB and deliver therapeutic payloads to tumor sites with high accuracy and efficiency.