A promising strategy of surface-modified nanoparticles targeting CXCR4 for precision cancer therapy

Abstract

Nanoparticle (NP) functionalization with specific ligands enhances targeted cancer therapy and imaging by promoting receptor recognition and improving cellular uptake. This review focuses on recent research exploring the interaction between cancer cell-expressed chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and ligand-conjugated NPs, utilising small molecules, peptides, and antibodies. Active NP targeting has shown improved tumour targeting and reduced toxicity, enabling precision therapy and diagnosis. However, challenges persist in the clinical translation of targeted NPs due to issues with biological response, tumour accumulation, and maintaining NP quality at an industrial scale. Biological and intratumoral barriers further hinder efficient NP accumulation in tumours, hampering translatability. To address these challenges, the academic community is refocusing efforts on understanding NP biological fate and establishing robust preclinical models. Future studies should investigate NP-body interactions, develop computational models, and identify optimal preclinical models. Establishing central NP research databases and fostering collaboration across disciplines is crucial to expediting clinical translation. Overcoming these hurdles will unlock the transformative potential of CXCR4-ligand-NP conjugates in revolutionising cancer treatment.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Targeted therapy
• nanomedicine
• chemokine receptor
• drug delivery
• receptor-mediated targeting
• ligand-functionalised nanoparticles

Disclosure statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

Additional information

Funding

This research was (partially) supported by the Ratchadapisek Sompoch Endowment Fund (2023), Chulalongkorn University (Review_66_010_3300_003), and the Thailand Science Research and Innovation Fund (2024), Chulalongkorn University (Pornchai Rojsitthisak and Pranee Rojsitthisak). The authors express their gratitude to the Ratchadaphiseksomphot Endowment Fund for postdoctoral fellowship (Khent Primo Alcantara) and the Center of Excellence in Natural Products for Ageing and Chronic Diseases (GCE3330170003), Chulalongkorn University.