Gemini cationic lipid-type nanovectors suitable for the transfection of therapeutic plasmid DNA encoding for pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-12

Ample evidence exists on the role of interleukin-12 (IL-12) in the response against many pathogens, as well as on its remarkable antitumor properties. However, the unexpected toxicity and disappointing results in some clinical trials are prompting the design of new strategies and/or vectors for IL-1...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Sánchez Arribas, Natalia; Martínez Negro, María; Aicart, Clara; Tros de Ilarduya, Conchita; Aicart Sospedra, Emilio; Guerrero Martínez, Andrés; Junquera González, María Elena
Format: Article
Publication date:2021
Country:España
Institution:Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM)
Repository:Docta Complutense
Language:English
OAI Identifier:oai:docta.ucm.es:20.500.14352/108994
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/108994
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:544
577.1
Non-viral gene delivery
Gemini cationic lipid
Transfection
Protein corona
Interleukin-12
Pro-inflammatory cytokine
Química física (Química)
Bioquímica (Química)
2307 Química Física
2302.26 Bioquímica Física
Description
Summary:Ample evidence exists on the role of interleukin-12 (IL-12) in the response against many pathogens, as well as on its remarkable antitumor properties. However, the unexpected toxicity and disappointing results in some clinical trials are prompting the design of new strategies and/or vectors for IL-12 delivery. This study was conceived to further endorse the use of gemini cationic lipids (GCLs) in combination with zwitterionic helper lipid DOPE (1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidyl ethanol amine) as nanovectors for the insertion of plasmid DNA encoding for IL-12 (pCMV-IL12) into cells. Optimal GCL formulations previously reported by us were selected for IL-12-based biophysical experiments. In vitro studies demonstrated efficient pCMV-IL12 transfection by GCLs with comparable or superior cytokine levels than those obtained with commercial control Lipofectamine2000*. Furthermore, the nanovectors did not present significant toxicity, showing high cell viability values. The proteins adsorbed on the nanovector surface were found to be mostly lipoproteins and serum albumin, which are both beneficial to increase the blood circulation time. These outstanding results are accompanied by an initial physicochemical characterization to confirm DNA compaction and protection by the lipid mixture. Although further studies would be necessary, the present GCLs exhibit promising characteristics as candidates for pCMV-IL12 transfection in future in vivo applications.