Extracellular vesicles for diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer

SHORT DESCRIPTION

Novel methods for detecting cancer through exosome analysis and bioengineered exosomes specifically designed to target cancer stem cells (CSCs).

INVENTORS

Huiping Liu*, MD, PhD
- Associate Professor, Pharmacology, Medicine (Hematology and Oncology), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Erika Ramos
Golam Kibria
Nurmaa Dashzeveg

* Principal Investigator

NU Tech ID: 2017-118

IP STATUS

Issued US Patent 10,874,610

DEVELOPMENT STAGE

TRL-3 - Experimental Proof-of-Concept: Key processes have been confirmed in cell-based studies.

BACKGROUND

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and exosomes are cell-derived vesicles that carry proteins, lipids, and RNAs, playing critical roles in intercellular communication and tumor progression. Existing methods for characterizing these nano-sized vesicles lack the sensitivity and throughput needed for clinical applications, particularly in detecting cancer biomarkers and targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs).

ABSTRACT

Encompassed in this technology are two main innovations: (1) a diagnostic method using micro flow cytometry to detect and profile cancer-specific protein markers on individual circulating EVs isolated from patient blood samples, and (2) bioengineered therapeutic EVs expressing a fusion protein that targets CSCs. The fusion protein comprises a transmembrane segment of an exosomal protein (LAMP2B) fused to a mutant SIRP-alpha extracellular domain that specifically binds CD47 on cancer stem cells (Xpep-alpha). These bioengineered EVs can be loaded with therapeutic RNA oligonucleotides or chemotherapeutic agents for targeted cancer therapy.

APPLICATIONS

Early cancer detection and diagnosis: analysis of EV surface markers in patient blood samples using micro flow cytometry
Monitoring disease progression and treatment response: tracking dynamic changes in circulating EV protein profiles over time
Targeted drug delivery to cancer stem cells: bioengineered EVs loaded with therapeutic RNAs or chemotherapeutic agents
Treatment of metastatic breast cancer: targeting of EVs to CD47+ breast cancer stem cells that drive tumor recurrence and metastasis

ADVANTAGES

Enhanced sensitivity: enables detection of low-abundance cancer markers that bulk methods miss
Non-invasive liquid biopsy approach: uses readily accessible blood samples rather than invasive tissue biopsies for cancer detection and monitoring
Superior targeting specificity: fusion protein (Xpep-alpha) targets EVs to CD47+ cells with enhanced affinity
Natural biocompatibility and stability of EV-based therapeutics: overcomes toxicity and off-target effects of traditional nanoparticles

PUBLICATIONS