Biomimetic cell membrane-coated nanocarriers for targeted siRNA delivery in cancer therapy

Drug Discov Today. 2023 Apr;28(4):103514. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103514. Epub 2023 Feb 2.

Abstract

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutics for cancer are a focus of increasing research interest. However, the major obstacle to their clinical application is the targeted delivery of siRNA to cancer cells at desirable levels. Cell membrane-coated nanocarriers have the advantage of combining the properties of both cell membranes and nanoparticles (NPs). In this review, we highlight the most common RNAi therapeutics and the extracellular and intracellular barriers to siRNA delivery. Moreover, we discuss clinical applications of different cell membrane-coated nanocarriers for targeted siRNA delivery, including cancer cell membranes (CCMs), platelet membranes, erythrocyte membranes, stem cell membranes, exosome membranes, and hybrid membranes. Taken together, biomimetic cell membrane-coated nanotechnology is a promising strategy for targeted siRNA delivery for cancer treatment.

Keywords: cancer; cell membrane-coated nanocarriers; small interfering RNA; targeted delivery system.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomimetics
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Exosomes*
  • Humans
  • Nanoparticles*
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / genetics
  • RNA, Small Interfering

Substances

  • RNA, Small Interfering