Browsing by Author "Cheng, Tian-Lu"

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A fusion protein composed of receptor binding domain of vascular endothelial growth factor-A and constant region fragment of antibody: angiogenesis antagonistic activity
(2011-05-01)
Tseng, Feng-Jen
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Liu, Yen-Ku
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Chung, Yo-Shong
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Lin, Yu-Ling
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Chen, Chia-Hung
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes the growth of solid tumor mainly via VEGF receptor-1 and receptor-2, which are expressed preferentially in proliferating endothelial cells. Therefore, a strategy for simultaneous blockage of both VEGF receptors may have a useful therapeutic effect in tumor growth. In this study, we utilized a fusion protein which is composed of receptor binding domain of VEGF-A (RBDV) and the constant region fragment (Fc) of a human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1), to interfere with the growth of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) via VEGF receptors. The results showed that RBDV-IgG1 Fc was able to bind with both VEGF receptor-1 and receptor-2. In addition, RBDV-IgG1 Fc could decrease VEGF-induced proliferation and tube formation among HUVECs. Moreover, the cytotoxic test showed RBDV-IgG1 Fc could also enhance the cytotoxic activity of human natural killing cells. The data are suggesting that the fusion protein, RBDV-IgG1 Fc, may have potential as an angiogenesis antagonist for future tumor therapy.
A RAPID AND CONVENIENT METHOD TO ENHANCE TRANSGENIC EXPRESSION IN TARGET CELLS
(2012)
Chen, Chia-Hung
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Liu, Yen-Ku
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Lin, Yu-Ling
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Chuang, Huai-Yao
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Hsu, Wei-Tung
Gene therapy provides a novel strategy and a new hope for patients with cancer. Unfortunately, the specifics of the delivery systems or the promoters have not achieved the specified efficacy so far, and the perfection of either system will be extremely difficult. In this study, we introduce a simple concept that a combination of a partially specific delivery system and a partially specific promoter activity may achieve a more specific effect on transgenic expression in target cells. The first section describes tumor-related transcription factors that were assayed in tumors or rapidly proliferating cells to determine their activities. The activities of nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B, CREB, and HIF-1 were higher, and three copies of each response element were used to construct a transcription factor-based synthetic promoter (TSP). The results showed that the expression of the TSP was active and partially specific to cell types. As described in the second section, the multifunctional peptide RGD-4-CHA was designed to absorb polyethyleneimine (PEI) molecules, and this complex was targeted to integrin alpha v beta 3 on B16F10 cells. The results indicated that RGD-4C-HA could associate with PEI to mediate specific targeting in vitro. Finally, the combination of the PEI-peptide complex and TSP could enhance the specifically transgenic expression in B16F10 cells. This strategy has been proven to work in vitro and might potentially be used for specific gene therapy in vivo.
A regularly spaced and self-revealing protein ladder for anti-tag Western blot analysis
(2012-12-01)
Kao, Chien-Han
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Cheng, Chiu-Min
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Chuang, Kuo-Hsiang
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Chuang, Chih-Hung
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Tzou, Shey-Cherng
We designed a protein ladder (hereafter referred to as "Mega-tag") that contains 14 of the most commonly used epitope tags fused to molecular weight markers. The Mega-tag ladder can be simultaneously visualized when anti-tag antibodies are used to detect epitope-tagged recombinant proteins in Western blots. The logarithm of molecular weights and relative mobility of the Mega-tag protein ladder are highly correlated (R-2 = 0.997 +/- 0.00232), indicating that the dye-free Mega-tag protein ladder is accurate. It can also serve as a positive control for anti-epitope tag immunoblots. The Mega-tag protein ladder should provide a convenient and precise tool for Western blot analysis. (c) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
A Unique and Potent Protein Binding Nature of Liposome Containing Polyethylenimine and Polyethylene Glycol: A Nondisplaceable Property
(2011-06-01)
Liu, Yen-Ku
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Lin, Yu-Ling
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Chen, Chia-Hung
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Lin, Ching-Min
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Ma, Kuan-Lun
Most of the currently available targeting vectors are produced via the linkage of targeting molecules. However, the coupling process is complicated, and the covalent linkage may attenuate the activity of certain targeting molecules. In this study, we have developed a cationic liposome complexed with polyethylenimine and polyethylene glycol polymers (LPPC) that can capture various proteins without covalent conjugation. Characterizations of prepared LPPC revealed that the maximal-binding capacity was about 170 mu g of bovine serum albumin to 40 mu g of sphere-shaped LPPC (180 nm). The proteins were essentially located at or near the surface when analyzed by atomic force or transmission electron microscopy. We demonstrate that polyethylenimine was an essential component to bind the proteins. Upon the saturation of captured proteins, a given protein could not be displaced by other additional proteins and still retained its biological activity. Using a variety of functional proteins, we show some typical examples of the utility of incorporated beta-glucuronidase and antibodies onto the LPPC. The beta-glucuronidase can be used for the study of antigen-antibody interactions, whereas in studies with the antibody complex, we used anti-CD3 as an agonist to stimulate the proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells via a receptor-mediated mechanism and anti-VEGFR for cell staining. In conclusion, the prepared LPPC can provide a platform to capture biologically and biochemically functional proteins on its surface for various applications, such as cell signaling, cell profiling, noncovalent enzyme-linked immunoassays, and others not mentioned. Biotechnol. Bioeng. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108: 1318-1327. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bispecific antibody (HER2 x mPEG) enhances anti-cancer effects by precise targeting and accumulation of mPEGylated liposomes
(2020-07-15)
Chen, I-Ju
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Cheng, Yi-An
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Ho, Kai-Wen
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Lin, Wen-Wei
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Cheng, Kai-Wen
Targeted antibodies and methoxy-PEGylated nanocarriers have gradually become a mainstream of cancer therapy. To increase the anti-cancer effects of targeted antibodies combined with mPEGylated liposomes (mPEG-liposomes), we describe a bispecific antibody in which an anti-methoxy-polyethylene glycol scFv (alpha mPEG scFv) was fused to the C-terminus of an anti-HER2 (alpha HER2) antibody to generate a HER2 x mPEG BsAb that retained the original efficacy of a targeted antibody while actively attracting mPEG-liposomes to accumulate at tumor sites. HER2 xmPEG BsAb can simultaneously bind to HER2high expressing MCF7/HER2 tumor cells and mPEG molecules on mPEG-liposomal doxorubicin (Lipo-Dox). Pre-incubation of HER2 x mPEG BsAb with cells increased the endocytosis of Lipo-DiD and enhanced the cytotoxicity of Lipo-Dox to MCF7/HER2 tumor cells. Furthermore, pre-treatment of HER2 x mPEG BsAb enhanced the tumor accumulation and retention of Lipo-DiR 2.2-fold in HER2-high expressing MCF7/HER2 tumors as compared to HER2-low expressing MCF7/neol tumors. Importantly, HER2 x mPEG BsAb plus Lipo-Dox significantly suppressed tumor growth as compared to control BsAb plus Lipo-Dox in MCF7/HER2 tumor-bearing mice. These results indicate that HER2 x mPEG BsAb can enhance tumor accumulation of mPEG-liposomes to improve the therapeutic efficacy of combination treatment. Anti-mPEG scFv can be fused to any kind of targeted antibody to generate BsAbs to actively attract mPEG-drugs and improve anti-cancer efficacy. Statement of Significance Antibody targeted therapy and PEGylated drugs have gradually become the mainstream of cancer therapy. To enhance the anti-cancer effects of targeted antibodies combined with PEGylated drugs is very important. To this aim, we fused an anti-PEG scFv to the C-terminal of HER2 targeted antibodies to generate a HER2xmPEG bispecific antibody (BsAb) to retain the original efficacy of targeted antibody whilst actively attract mPEG-liposomal drugs to accumulate at tumor sites. The present study demonstrates pretreatment of HER2xmPEG BsAb can enhance tumor accumulation of mPEG-liposomal drugs to improve the therapeutic efficacy of combination treatment. Anti-mPEG scFv can be fused to any kind of targeted antibody to generate BsAbs to actively attract mPEG-drugs and improve anti-cancer efficacy. (C) 2020 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Development of a Gd(III)-Based Receptor-Induced Magnetization Enhancement (RIME) Contrast Agent for beta-Glucuronidase Activity Profiling
(2012-11-19)
Chen, Shih-Hsien
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Kuo, Yu-Ting
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Singh, Gyan
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Cheng, Tian-Lu
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Su, Yu-Zheng
beta-Glucuronidase is a key lysosomal enzyme and is often overexpressed in necrotic tumor masses. We report here the synthesis of a pro receptor induced magnetization enhancement (pro RIME) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent ([Gd(DOTA-FP beta Gu)]) for molecular imaging of beta-glucuronidase activity in tumor tissues. The contrast agent consists of two parts, a gadolinium complex and a beta-glucuronidase substrate (beta-D-glucopyranuronic acid). The binding association constant (K-A) of [Gd(DOTA-FP beta Gu)] is 7.42 X 10(2), which is significantly lower than that of a commercially available MS-325 (K-A = 3.0 x 10(4)) RIME contrast agent. The low K-A value of [Gd(DOTA-FP beta Gu)] is due to the pendant beta-D-glucopyranuronic acid moiety. Therefore, [Gd(DOTA-FP beta Gu)] can be used for detection of beta-glucuronidase through RIME modulation. The detail mechanism of enzymatic activation of [Gd(DOTA-FP beta Gu)] was elucidated by LC-MS. The kinetics of beta-glucuronidase catalyzed hydrolysis of [Eu(DOTA-FP beta Gu)] at pH 7.4 best fit the Miechalis-Menten kinetic mode with K-m = 1.38 mM, K-cat = 3.76 x 10(3), and k(cat)/K-m = 2.72 x 10(3) M-1 s(-1). The low K-m value indicates high affinity of beta-glucuronidase for [Gd(DOTA-FP beta Gu)] FP beta Gu) at physiological pH. Relaxometric studies revealed that T-1 relaxivity of [Gd(DOTA-FP beta Gu)] changes in response to the concentration of beta-glucuronidase. Consistent with the relaxometric studies, [Gd(DOTA-FP beta Gu)] showed significant change in MR image signal in the presence of beta-glucuronidase and HSA. In vitro and in vivo MR images demonstrated appreciable differences in signal enhancement in the cell lines and tumor xenografts in accordance to their expression levels of beta-glucuronidase. [GRAPHICS] .
Development of an Anti-Methoxy Poly(ethylene glycol) (alpha-mPEG) Cell-Based Capture System to Measure mPEG and mPEGylated Molecules
(2014-10-14)
Chuang, Kuo-Hsiang
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Kao, Chien-Han
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Roffler, Steve R.
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Lu, Ssu-Jung
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Cheng, Ta-Chun
Quantitative pharmacokinetic analysis of methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) and mPEGylated molecules is important for clinical drug development. Here we developed sensitive sandwich and competitive ELISAs by expressing an anti-mPEG antibody on the surface of fibroblasts for effective capture of mPEG molecules in biological samples. alpha-mPEG sandwich ELISA could quantify the higher-molecular-weight of mPEG (2, 5, and 20 kDa) and mPEGylated molecules. alpha-mPEG cell-based competitive ELISA was developed to measure the lower-molecular-weight of mPEG molecules (559, 750, and 1000 Da) at nanomolar levels. In addition, alpha-mPEG cell-based ELISA was unaffected by the presence of 10% human serum or murine serum. We further demonstrate that the alpha-mPEG cell-based ELISA determined similar pharmacokinetics of mPEG(5K) as traditional gamma counting of I-131-mPEG(5K). The alpha-mPEG cell-based ELISA may provide an accurate, high sensitivity and easy-to-use tool for directly measuring mPEG and mPEGylated molecules in complex biological samples to accelerate the clinical development of mPEG drugs.
Development of an inflammatory tissue-selective chimeric TNF receptor
(2019-01-01)
Lee, Chia-Jung
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Wang, Chao-Ching
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Chen, Michael
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Chuang, Kuo-Hsiang
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Cheng, Tian-Lu
Background: Inhibiting TNF-alpha is an effective therapy for inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, systemic, nondiscriminatory neutralization of TNF-alpha is associated with considerable adverse effects. Methods: Here, we developed a trimeric chimeric TNF receptor by linking an N-terminal mouse Acrp30 trimerization domain and an MMP-2/9 substrate sequence to the mouse extracellular domain of TNF receptor 2 followed by a C-terminal mouse tetranectin coiled-coil domain (mouse Acrp-MMP-TNFR-Tn). Results: Here, we show that the Acrp30 trimerization domain inhibited the binding activity of TNFR, possibly by closing the binding site of the trimeric receptor. Cleavage of the substrate sequence by MMP-9, an enzyme highly expressed in inflammatory sites, restored the binding activity of the mouse TNF receptor. We also constructed a recombinant human chimeric TNF receptor (human Acrp-MMP-TNFR-Tn) in which an MMP-13 substrate sequence was used to link the human Acrp and the human TNF receptor 2. Human Acrp-MMP-TNFR-Tn showed reduced binding activity, and MMP-13 digestion recovered its binding activity with TNF-alpha. Conclusion: Acrp-masked chimeric TNF receptors may be able to be used for inflammatory tissue-selective neutralization of TNF-alpha to reduce the adverse effects associated with systemic neutralization of TNF-alpha.
Enhanced drug internalization and therapeutic efficacy of PEGylated nanoparticles by one-step formulation with anti-mPEG bispecific antibody in intrinsic drug-resistant breast cancer
(2019-08-01)
Cheng, Yi-An
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Chen, I-Ju
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Su, Yu-Cheng
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Cheng, Kai-Wen
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Lu, Yun-Chi
For those patients with HER2-overexpressing breast cancer, treatment with PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) is inefficacious due to the intrinsic low sensitivity to doxorubicin. A very large increase in drug accumulation by active targeting may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of PLD. We established a humanized bispecific antibody (BsAb; mPEG x HER2) which has dual specificity for methoxy-polyethylene glycol (mPEG) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) to enhance the specificity, internalization and anticancer activity of PLD for cancer cells that overexpress HER2. One-step formulation of PLD with mPEG x HER2 converted the PLD into HER2 targeted liposomes that were stable at 4 degrees C in PBS as well as at 37 degrees C in the presence of serum. alpha HER2/PLD induced receptor-mediated endocytosis and enhanced doxorubicin accumulation in MCF7/HER2 (HER2-amplified) breast cancer cells. alpha HER2/PLD also displayed more than 200-fold increased cytotoxicity to MCF7/HER2 cells and 28-fold increased cytotoxicity to drug-resistant MDA-MB-361 cells with a physical deletion of the TOP2A gene. alpha HER2/PLD specifically accumulated doxorubicin in the nucleus of cancer cells in tumor-bearing mice and produced significantly greater antitumor activity against MCF7/HER2 (P < 0.0001) and MDA-MB-361 (P < 0.05) tumors as compared to untargeted PLD. Furthermore, the cardiotoxicity of alpha HER2/PLD was similar to that of PLD in human cardiomyocytes and in mice. Our results indicate that the one-step formulation of PLD by mPEG x HER2 is a simple method to confer tumor specificity, increase drug internalization and enhance the anticancer activity of PLD against HER2-overexpressing and doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer.
Functional Production of a Soluble and Secreted Single-Chain Antibody by a Bacterial Secretion System
(2014-05-13)
Cheng, Chiu-Min
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Tzou, Shey-Cherng
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Zhuang, Ya-Han
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Huang, Chien-Chiao
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Kao, Chien-Han
Single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) serve as an alternative to full-length monoclonal antibodies used in research and therapeutic and diagnostic applications. However, when recombinant scFvs are overexpressed in bacteria, they often form inclusion bodies and exhibit loss of function. To overcome this problem, we developed an scFv secretion system in which scFv was fused with osmotically inducible protein Y (osmY), a bacterial secretory carrier protein, for efficient protein secretion. Anti-EGFR scFv (alpha EGFR) was fused with osmY (N- and C-termini) and periplasmic leader sequence (pelB) to generate alpha EGFR-osmY, osmY-alpha EGFR, and pelB-alpha EGFR (control), respectively. In comparison with the control, both the osmY-fused alpha EGFR scFvs were soluble and secreted into the LB medium. Furthermore, the yield of soluble alpha EGFR-osmY was 20-fold higher, and the amount of secreted protein was 250-fold higher than that of osmY-alpha EGFR. In addition, the antigenbinding activity of both the osmY-fused alpha EGFRs was 2-fold higher than that of the refolded pelB-alpha EGFR from inclusion bodies. Similar results were observed with alpha TAG72-osmY and alpha Her2-osmY. These results suggest that the N-terminus of osmY fused with scFv produces a high yield of soluble, functional, and secreted scFv, and the osmY-based bacterial secretion system may be used for the large-scale industrial production of low-cost alpha EGFRprotein.
[Gd(Try-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-): A new MRI contrast agent for copper ion sensing
(2011-01-01)
Kasala, Dayananda
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Lin, Tsung-Sheng
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Chen, Chiao-Yun
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Liu, Gin-Chung
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Kao, Chai-Lin
In this study, we have developed two new L-tryptophan based contrast agents [Gd(Try-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) and [Gd(Try-ac-DOTA)(H(2)O)](-). Upon addition of Cu(II) to [Gd(Try-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-), significant increases in the relaxivity (r(1)) and hydration number of [Gd(Try-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) were observed. However, it only induced a minute increase in the relaxivity (r(1)) in the case of [Gd(Try-ac-DOTA)(H(2)O)](-). Furthermore, the interaction of Cu(II) with the indole ring of Gd(III) complexes was explored by measuring the intrinsic fluorescence of the tryptophan of the Gd(III) complex. With the addition of one equivalent of Cu(II) to [Gd(Try-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2) the indole fluorescence was completely quenched. Moreover, the [Gd(Try-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) complex shows excellent selectivity towards Cu(II) over other metal ions (Cu(II) > La(III) > Mg(II)). Importantly, the significant signal intensity (2073 +/- 67) for in vitro MR imaging using [Gd(Try-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-) in the presence of Cu(II) implicates that this new smart contrast agent ([Gd(Try-TTDA)(H(2)O)](2-)) can serve as a Cu(II) sensor for MR imaging.
[Gd(Try-TTDA)(H2O)](2-): A new MRI contrast agent for copper ion sensing
(2011-01-01)
Kasala, Dayananda
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Lin, Tsung-Sheng
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Chen, Chiao-Yun
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Liu, Gin-Chung
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Kao, Chai-Lin
In this study, we have developed two new L-tryptophan based contrast agents [Gd(Try-TTDA)(H2O)](2-) and [Gd(Try-ac-DOTA)(H2O)](-). Upon addition of Cu(II) to [Gd(Try-TTDA)(H2O)](2-), significant increases in the relaxivity (r(1)) and hydration number of [Gd(Try-TTDA)(H2O)](2-) were observed. However, it only induced a minute increase in the relaxivity (r(1)) in the case of [Gd(Try-ac-DOTA)(H2O)](-). Furthermore, the interaction of Cu(II) with the indole ring of Gd(III) complexes was explored by measuring the intrinsic fluorescence of the tryptophan of the Gd(III) complex. With the addition of one equivalent of Cu(II) to [Gd(Try-TTDA)(H2O)](2) the indole fluorescence was completely quenched. Moreover, the [Gd(Try-TTDA)(H2O)](2-) complex shows excellent selectivity towards Cu(II) over other metal ions (Cu(II) > La(III) > Mg(II)). Importantly, the significant signal intensity (2073 +/- 67) for in vitro MR imaging using [Gd(Try-TTDA)(H2O)](2-) in the presence of Cu(II) implicates that this new smart contrast agent ([Gd(Try-TTDA)(H2O)](2-)) can serve as a Cu(II) sensor for MR imaging.
Humanized bispecific antibody (mPEG x HER2) rapidly confers PEGylated nanoparticles tumor specificity for multimodality imaging in breast cancer
(2020-08-27)
Cheng, Yi-An
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Wu, Tung-Ho
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Wang, Yun-Ming
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Cheng, Tian-Lu
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Chen, I-Ju
Background: Developing a universal strategy to improve the specificity and sensitivity of PEGylated nanoaparticles (PEG-NPs) for assisting in the diagnosis of tumors is important in multimodality imaging. Here, we developed the anti-methoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG) bispecific antibody (BsAb; mPEG x HER2), which has dual specificity for mPEG and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), with a diverse array of PEG-NPs to confer nanoparticles with HER2 specificity and stronger intensity. Result: We used a one-step formulation to rapidly modify the nanoprobes with mPEG x HER2 and optimized the modified ratio of BsAbs on several PEG-NPs (Lipo-DiR, SPIO, Qdot and AuNP). The alpha HER2/PEG-NPs could specifically target MCF7/HER2 cells (HER2(++)) but not MCF7/neo1 cells (HER2(+/-)). The alpha HER2/Lipo-DiR and alpha HER2/SPIO could enhance the sensitivity of untargeted PEG-NPs on MCF7/HER2 (HER2(++)). In in vivo imaging, alpha HER2/Lipo-DiR and alpha HER2/SPIO increased the specific targeting and enhanced PEG-NPs accumulation at 175% and 187% on 24 h, respectively, in HER2-overexpressing tumors. Conclusion: mPEG x HER2, therefore, provided a simple one-step formulation to confer HER2-specific targeting and enhanced sensitivity and contrast intensity on HER2 positive tumors for multimodality imaging.
Imaging specificity of MR-optical imaging agents following the masking of surface charge by poly(ethylene glycol)
(2013-05-01)
Wu, Shou-Cheng
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Lin, Kun-Liang
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Wang, Tzu-Pin
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Tzou, Shey-Cherng
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Singh, Gyan
The coupling of specific antibodies to imaging agents often improves imaging specificity. However, free amine groups designed for the coupling can cause nonspecific binding of the imaging agents. We report here development of a nanocarrier, MnMEIO-silane-NH2-mPEG nanoparticles (NPs), consisting of a manganese-doped iron oxide nanoparticle core (MnMEIO), a copolymer shell of silane and amine-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) (silane-EA-mPEG). The key feature in MnMEIO-silane-NH2-mPEG is the flexible PEG, which masks the non-conjugated reactive amine groups (-NH2 <-> -NH3+) and reduces nonspecific binding of MnMEIO-silane-NH2-mPEG to cells. The amine groups on MnMEIO-silane-NH2-mPEG were conjugated with the fluorescent dye, Cy777 or antibodies [Erbitux (Erb)] to form a MR-optical imaging contrast agent (MnMEIO-silane-NH2-(Erb)-mPEG) for EGFR-expressing tumors. Confocal microscopic and flow cytometric analyses showed that MnMEIO-silane-NH2-(Erb)-mPEG displayed low nonspecific binding. Moreover, TEM images showed that MnMEIO-silane-NH2-(Erb)-mPEG were endocytosed by EGFR-expressing cells. In line with their EGFR expression levels, A431, PC-3, and Colo-205 tumors treated with MnMEIO-silane-NH2-(Erb)-mPEG NPs showed -97.1%, -49.7%, and -2.8% contrast enhancement, respectively, in in vitro T-2-weighted MR imaging. In vivo T-2-weighted MR imaging and optical images showed that MnMEIO-silane-NH2-(Erb)mPEG could specifically and effectively target to EGFR-expressing tumors in nude mice; the relative contrast enhancements were 7.94 (at 2 h) and 7.59 (at 24 h) fold higher in A431 tumors as compared to the EGFR-negative Colo-205 tumors. On the contrary, MnMEIO-silane-NH2-(Erb) NPs showed only 1.44 (at 2 h) and 1.52 (at 24 h) fold higher in EGFR-positive tumors as compared to the EGFR-negative tumors. Finally, antibodies can be readily changed to allow imaging of other tumors bearing different antigens. These data indicate that masking surface charges on contrast agents is a useful strategy to improve imaging efficacy. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
In vivo magnetic resonance imaging of mice liver tumors using a new gadolinium-based contrast agent
(2013-05-01)
Chen, Shih-Hsien
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Kuo, Yu-Ting
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Cheng, Tian-Lu
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Chen, Chiao-Yun
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Chiu, Yen-Yu
We compared the enhancement effect between a newly synthesized tissue-specific contrast agent, [Gd-DOTA-FP beta G], and a commercially available agent, [Gd(DOTA)](-), in a murine model of liver tumor using a clinical magnetic resonance imaging scanner. The colon cancer cell lines with and without beta-glucuronidase (beta G) expression were implanted into the liver of mice. Self-synthesized gadolinium-based magnetic resonance contrast agent, [Gd(DOTA-FP beta G)], was administered to measure enhancement on magnetic resonance images using a commercially available agent, [Gd(DOTA)](-), as control in a clinical 3.0 tesla (T) magnetic resonance scanner. In vivo fluorescence imaging and histopathology of the liver were also performed to compare and correlate with the magnetic resonance studies. The in vivo fluorescence imaging failed to depict a sufficiently intense signal for liver or liver tumor of mice without exposure of the liver following an incision on the abdominal wall. The tissue-specific magnetic resonance agent, [Gd(DOTA-FP beta G)], caused significantly stronger enhancement in tumors expressing beta G (CT26/m beta G-eB7) than in tumors not expressing beta G (CT26) (p < 0.05). In the magnetic resonance imaging studies using control agent [Gd(DOTA)](-), the tumors with and without beta G expression depicted no significant difference in enhancement on the T1-weighted images. The [Gd(DOTA-FP beta G)] also provided significantly more contrast uptake in the CT26/m beta G-eB7 tumor than in the normal liver parenchyma, whereas the [Gd(DOTA)](-) did not. This study confirms that better contrast enhancement can be readily detected in vivo by the use of a tissue-specific magnetic resonance contrast agent to target tumor cells with specific biomarkers in a clinical magnetic resonance imaging scanner. Copyright (c) 2012, Kaohsiung Medical University. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC. All rights reserved.
Liposome-based polymer complex as a novel adjuvant: enhancement of specific antibody production and isotype switch
(2012)
Chen, Chia-Hung
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Lin, Yu-Ling
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Liu, Yen-Ku
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He, Pei-Juin
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Lin, Ching-Min
The aim of vaccination is to induce appropriate immunity against pathogens. Antibody-mediated immunity is critical for protection against many virus diseases, although it is becoming more evident that coordinated, multifunctional immune responses lead to the most effective defense. Specific antibody (Ab) isotypes are more efficient at protecting against pathogen invasion in different locations in the body. For example, compared to other Ab isotypes, immunoglobulin (Ig) A provides more protection at mucosal areas. In this study, we developed a cationic lipopolymer (liposome-polyethylene glycol-polyethyleneimine complex [LPPC])-adjuvant that strongly adsorbs antigens or immunomodulators onto its surface to enhance or switch immune responses. The results demonstrate that LPPC enhances uptake ability, surface marker expression, proinflammatory cytokine release, and antigen presentation in mouse-phagocytes. In contrast to Freund's adjuvant, LPPC preferentially activates-Th1-immunity against antigens in vivo. With lipopolysaccharides or CpG oligodeoxynucleotides, LPPC dramatically enhances the IgA or IgG2A proportion of total Ig, even in hosts that have developed Th2 immunities and high IgG1 serum titers. Taken together, the results demonstrate that the LPPC adjuvant not only increases the immunogenicity of antigens but also modulates host immunity to produce an appropriate Ab isotype by combining with immunomodulators.
Measurement of Poly(ethylene glycol) by Cell-Based Anti-poly(ethylene glycol) ELISA
(2010-03-15)
Chuang, Kuo-Hsiang
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Tzou, Shey-Cherng
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Cheng, Ta-Chun
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Kao, Chien-Han
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Tseng, Wei-Lung
Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is increasingly used in clinical and experimental medicine. However, quantification of PEG and PEGylated small molecules remains laborious and unsatisfactory. In this report, we stably expressed a functional anti-PEG antibody on the surface of BALB 3T3 cells (3T3/alpha PEG cells) to develop a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for PEG quantification. The alpha-PEG cell-coated plate bound biotinylated PEG(5K) (CH(3)-PEG(5K)-biotin) and CH(3)-PEG(5K)-(131)I more effectively than did a traditional anti-PEG antibody-coated plate. Competitive binding between PEG (2, 5, 10, or 20 kDa) and a known amount of CH(3)-PEG(5K)-biotin allowed construction of a reproducible competition curve. The alpha PEG cell-based competition ELISA measured small molecules derivatized by PEG(2K), PEG(5K), PEG(10K), PEG(20K), and PEG(5K) at concentrations as low as 58.6, 14.6, 3.7, 3.7, and 14.6 ng/mL respectively. Notably, the presence of serum or bovine serum albumin enhanced PEG measurement by the alpha PEG cell-based competition ELISA. Finally, we show here that the alpha PEG cell-based competition ELISA accurately delineated the pharmacokinetics of PEG(5K), comparable to those determined by direct measurement of radioactivity in blood after intravenous injection of CH(3)-PEG(5K)-(131)I into mice. This quantitative strategy may provide a simple and sensitive method for quantifying PEG and PEGylated small molecules in vivo.
Peptide-based MRI contrast agent and near-infrared fluorescent probe for intratumoral legumain detection
(2014-01-01)
Chen, Yu-Jen
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Wu, Shou-Cheng
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Chen, Chung-Yung
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Tzou, Shey-Cherng
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Cheng, Tian-Lu
Recent studies suggest that intratumoral legumain promotes tumorigenesis. To monitor legumain activity in tumors, we developed a new MM contrast agent ([Gd-NBCB-TTDA-Leg(L)]) and a NIR fluorescence probe (CyTE777-Leg(L)-CyTE807). The MRI contrast agent was prepared by introduction of cyclobutyl and benzyl group residues to TTDA (3,6,10-tri(carboxymethyl)-3,6,10-triaza-dodecanedioic acid), followed by the attachment of a legumain-specific substrate peptide (Leg(L)). The NIR fluorescence probe was designed by conjugating two NIR fluorochromes (CyTE777 and CyTE807) with Leg(L). Peptide cleavage of the MM contrast agent by legumain can increase its hydrophobicity and promote rotational correlation time (tau(R)). Peptide cleavage of the NIR probes by the legumain relieves the self quench of the probe. Peptide cleavage of the MRI contrast agent and the NIR fluorescence probe by legumain were confirmed by T-1 relaxometric studies and by fluorescence studies, respectively. In vivo MR images showed that [Gd-NBCB-TTDA-Leg(L)] attained 55.3 fold (254.2% versus 4.6%, at 2.0 h post-injection) higher imaging enhancement, as compared with control contrast agent bearing a noncleaveable peptide ([Gd-NBCB-TTDA-Leg(D)], in the CT-26 (legumain(+)) tumors. Similarly, optical imaging probe CyTE777-Leg(L)-CyTE807 attained 15.2 fold (3.34 x 10(9) photons/min versus 0.22 x 10(9) photons/min, at 24.0 h post-injection) higher imaging enhancement in the CT-26 (legumain(+)) tumors, compared to a NIR control probe (CyTE777-Leg(D)-CyTE807). These data indicate that the [Gd-NBCB-TTDA-Leg(L)] and the CyTE777-Leg(L)-CyTE807 probes may be promising tools to image the legumain-expressing cancers for diagnoses and targeted treatments. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Premature Drug Release from Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)-Coated Liposomal Doxorubicin via Formation of the Membrane Attack Complex
(2020-07-28)
Chen, Even
;
Chen, Bing-Mae
;
Su, Yu-Cheng
;
Chang, Yuan-Chih
;
Cheng, Tian-Lu
Anti-polyethylene glycol (PEG) antibodies are present in many healthy individuals as well as in patients receiving polyethylene glycol-functionalized drugs. Antibodies against PEG-coated nanocarriers can accelerate their clearance, but their impact on nanodrug properties including nanocarrier integrity is unclear. Here, we show that anti-PEG IgG and IgM antibodies bind to PEG molecules on the surface of PEG-coated liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil, Doxisome, LC-101, and Lipo-Dox), resulting in complement activation, formation of the membrane attack complex (C51/-9) in the liposomal membrane, and rapid release of encapsulated doxorubicin from the liposomes. Drug release depended on both classical and alternative pathways of complement activation. Doxorubicin release of up to 40% was also observed in rats treated with anti-PEG IgG and PEG-coated liposomal doxorubicin. Our results demonstrate that anti-PEG antibodies can disrupt the membrane integrity of PEG-coated liposomal doxorubicin through activation of complement, which may alter therapeutic efficacy and safety in patients with high levels of pre-existing antibodies against PEG.
Selective antibody activation through protease-activated pro-antibodies that mask binding sites with inhibitory domains
(2017-09-14)
Chen, I-Ju
;
Chuang, Chih-Hung
;
Hsieh, Yuan-Chin
;
Lu, Yun-Chi
;
Lin, Wen-Wei
Systemic injection of therapeutic antibodies may cause serious adverse effects due to on-target toxicity to the antigens expressed in normal tissues. To improve the targeting selectivity to the region of disease sites, we developed protease-activated pro-antibodies by masking the binding sites of antibodies with inhibitory domains that can be removed by proteases that are highly expressed at the disease sites. The latency-associated peptide (LAP), C2b or CBa of complement factor 2/B were linked, through a substrate peptide of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), to an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody and an anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) antibody. Results showed that all the inhibitory domains could be removed by MMP-2 to restore the binding activities of the antibodies. LAP substantially reduced (53.8%) the binding activity of the anti-EGFR antibody on EGFR-expressing cells, whereas C2b and CBa were ineffective (21% and 9.3% reduction, respectively). Similarly, LAP also blocked 53.9% of the binding activity of the anti-TNF-alpha antibody. Finally, molecular dynamic simulation showed that the masking efficiency of LAP, C2b and CBa was 33.7%, 10.3% and -5.4%, respectively, over the binding sites of the antibodies. This strategy may aid in designing new protease-activated pro-antibodies that attain high therapeutic potency yet reduced systemic on-target toxicity.