pH-sensitive multi-drug liposomes targeting folate receptor β for efficient treatment of non-small cell lung cancer

• Published in: Journal of controlled release 2021-02, Vol.330, p.1-14
• Main Authors: Park, Yong Il, Kwon, Seung-Hae, Lee, Gibok, Motoyama, Keiichi, Kim, Min Woo, Lin, Min, Niidome, Takuro, Choi, Jung Hoon, Lee, Ruda
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Calpain-2; Folate receptor beta; Non-small cell lung cancer; pH-sensitive; Tumor microenvironment
• ISSN: 0168-3659; 1873-4995
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.12.011

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of lung cancer-related deaths worldwide. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which can be polarized into tumor-promoting M2 phenotype, overexpress folate receptor beta (FRβ) and are associated with poor prognosis in NSCLC. In addition, calpain-2 (CAPN2) is overexpressed in NSCLC and is involved in tumor growth. To improve the anticancer efficacy of drugs and reduce their side effects in the treatment of NSCLC, it is important to develop smart drug delivery systems with specific targeting ability and controlled release mechanisms. In this study, FRβ-targeted pH-sensitive liposomes were designed as carriers to ensure efficient drug delivery and acid-responsive release in NSCLC cells. Folate-mediated targeting of FRβ in M2 TAMs and NSCLC cells effectively inhibited tumor growth and the stimulus-responsive drug release reduced the toxic side effects of the drug. The combination of doxycycline (anti-CAPN2) and docetaxel (anticancer drug) showed a synergistic inhibitory effect on tumor growth by suppressing CAPN2 expression. [Display omitted] •Folate receptor β-targeting efficiently delivers drugs to non-small cell lung cancer.•Targeting of M2 tumor-associated macrophages effectively inhibits tumor growth.•Calpain-2 suppression shows synergistic inhibitory effects on tumor growth.•pH-responsive drug release reduces the toxic side effects of the drug.