Recent Development of LDL-Based Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), a natural lipoprotein transporting cholesterol in the circulatory system, has been a possible drug carrier for targeted delivery. LDL can bind to the LDL receptor (LDLR) with its outside apolipoprotein B-100 and then enter the cell via LDLR-mediated endocytosis. This targeting function inspires researchers to modify LDL to deliver different therapeutic drugs. Drugs can be loaded in the surficial phospholipids, hydrophobic core, or apolipoprotein for the structure of LDL. In addition, LDL-like synthetic nanoparticles carrying therapeutic drugs are also under investigation for the scarcity of natural LDL. In addition to being a carrier, LDL can also be a targeting molecule, decorated to the surface of synthetic nanoparticles loaded with cytotoxic compounds. This review summarizes the properties of LDL and the different kinds of LDL-based delivery nanoparticles, their loading strategies, and the achievements of the recent anti-tumor advancement.

Docosahexaenoic acid-loaded nanoparticles: A state-of-the-art of preparation methods, characterization, functionality, and therapeutic applications

“…LDL-based nanoplatforms are well-sited as vehicles for delivery, since many tumors actively taken up these lipoproteins to get the required cholesterol and lipids to support rapid cells proliferation [ 55 ]. LDL does not tend to provoke immune reactions and contributes to reducing excessive stress in the body due to its status as an endogenous molecule [ 56 ]. The application of synthetic and natural LDL-based delivery systems in nanomedicine, employing various targeting mechanisms, has been extensively reviewed [ 57 ].…”

Immunological nanomaterials to combat cancer metastasis

“…In addition, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) that transports cholesterol in the blood circulation has been a candidate nanocarrier for drug delivery. 156 LDL-based nanoparticles have been shown to target the LDL receptor (LDLR) overexpressed on the cancer cells. Specifically, the LDLR can recognize the apolipoprotein B-100 (ApoB-100) in the LDL-based nanoparticles, forming the LDL–LDLR complex, which induces the endocytosis process.…”