Photomodulation of lymphatic delivery of liposomes to the brain bypassing the blood-brain barrier: new perspectives for glioma therapy

• Main Authors: Semyachkina-Glushkovskaya Oxana, Fedosov Ivan, Shirokov Alexander, Vodovozova Elena, Alekseeva Anna, Khorovodov Alexandr, Blokhina Inna, Terskov Andrey, Mamedova Aysel, Klimova Maria, Dubrovsky Alexander, Ageev Vasily, Agranovich Ilana, Vinnik Valeria, Tsven Anna, Sokolovski Sergey, Rafailov Edik, Penzel Thomas, Kurths Jürgen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: De Gruyter 2021-07-01
• Series: Nanophotonics
• Subjects: glioma; liposomes; lymphatic backroad to the brain; photostimulation; rats
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1515/nanoph-2021-0212

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) has a significant contribution to the protection of the central nervous system (CNS). However, it also limits the brain drug delivery and thereby complicates the treatment of CNS diseases. The development of safe methods for an effective delivery of medications and nanocarriers to the brain can be a revolutionary step in the overcoming this limitation. Here, we report the unique properties of the lymphatic system to deliver tracers and liposomes to the brain meninges, brain tissues, and glioma in rats. Using a quantum-dot-based 1267 nm laser (for photosensitizer-free generation of singlet oxygen), we clearly demonstrate photostimulation of lymphatic delivery of liposomes to glioma as well as lymphatic clearance of liposomes from the brain. These pilot findings open promising perspectives for photomodulation of lymphatic delivery of drugs and nanocarriers to the brain pathology bypassing the BBB. The lymphatic “smart” delivery of liposomes with antitumor drugs in the new brain tumor branches might be a breakthrough strategy for the therapy of gliomas.