Anti-CD22 antibody targeting of pH-responsive micelles enhances small interfering RNA delivery and gene silencing in lymphoma cells

Mol Ther. 2011 Aug;19(8):1529-37. doi: 10.1038/mt.2011.104. Epub 2011 May 31.

Abstract

The application of small interfering RNA (siRNA) for cancer treatment is a promising strategy currently being explored in early phase clinical trials. However, efficient systemic delivery limits clinical implementation. We developed and tested a novel delivery system comprised of (i) an internalizing streptavidin-conjugated monoclonal antibody (mAb-SA) directed against CD22 and (ii) a biotinylated diblock copolymer containing both a positively charged siRNA condensing block and a pH-responsive block to facilitate endosome release. The modular design of the carrier facilitates the exchange of different targeting moieties and siRNAs to permit its usage in a variety of tumor types. The polymer was synthesized using the reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) technique and formed micelles capable of binding siRNA and mAb-SA. A hemolysis assay confirmed the predicted membrane destabilizing activity of the polymer under acidic conditions typical of the endosomal compartment. Enhanced siRNA uptake was demonstrated in DoHH2 lymphoma and transduced HeLa-R cells expressing CD22 but not in CD22 negative HeLa-R cells. Gene knockdown was significantly improved with CD22-targeted vs. nontargeted polymeric micelles. Treatment of DoHH2 cells with CD22-targeted polymeric micelles containing 15 nmol/l siRNA produced 70% reduction of gene expression. This CD22-targeted polymer carrier may be useful for siRNA delivery to lymphoma cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / metabolism
  • Base Sequence
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
  • Gene Silencing
  • Gene Transfer Techniques
  • Genetic Vectors
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Lymphoma / genetics*
  • Lymphoma / metabolism
  • Lymphoma / therapy
  • Micelles
  • Polymers / metabolism
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism*
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Sialic Acid Binding Ig-like Lectin 2 / immunology*
  • Streptavidin / metabolism

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Micelles
  • Polymers
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Sialic Acid Binding Ig-like Lectin 2
  • Streptavidin