Cancer-Cell-Derived Hybrid Vesicles from MCF-7 and HeLa Cells for Dual-Homotypic Targeting of Anticancer Drugs

Here, as a proof of concept, hybrid vesicles (VEs) are developed from two types of cancer cells, MCF-7 and HeLa, for the dual targeting of the anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox) to cancer cells via homotypic interactions. Hybrid VEs with a size of 181.8 +/- 28.2 nm and surface charge of -27.8 +/- 1.9 mV are successfully prepared by the fusion of MCF-7 and HeLa VEs, as demonstrated by the fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay. The hybrid VEs exhibit enhanced intracellular uptake both in MCF-7 and HeLa cells. Dox-encapsulated hybrid VEs (Dox-hybrid VEs) also exhibit promising anticancer and antiproliferative activities against MCF-7/multidrug-resistant cells and HeLa cells. In addition, compared to free Dox, the Dox-hybrid VEs exhibit low intracellular uptake and reduced cytotoxicity for RAW264.7 cells. Thus, hybrid VEs with dual-targeting activity toward two types of cancer cells may be useful for the specific targeting of anticancer drugs for improved anticancer effects with reduced nonspecific toxicity.

Automated summary

In this study, hybrid vesicles developed from two types of cancer cells showed enhanced intracellular uptake and promising anticancer activities against both MCF-7 and HeLa cells. The dual-targeting activity of these hybrid vesicles may offer a potential strategy for specific delivery of anticancer drugs with reduced toxicity.