1.Optimized lipid nanoparticles enable effective CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing in dendritic cells for enhanced immunotherapy.
Kuirong MAO ; Huizhu TAN ; Xiuxiu CONG ; Ji LIU ; Yanbao XIN ; Jialiang WANG ; Meng GUAN ; Jiaxuan LI ; Ge ZHU ; Xiandi MENG ; Guojiao LIN ; Haorui WANG ; Jing HAN ; Ming WANG ; Yong-Guang YANG ; Tianmeng SUN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):642-656
Immunotherapy has emerged as a revolutionary approach to treat immune-related diseases. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in orchestrating immune responses, making them an attractive target for immunotherapeutic interventions. Modulation of gene expression in DCs using genome editing techniques, such as the CRISPR-Cas system, is important for regulating DC functions. However, the precise delivery of CRISPR-based therapies to DCs has posed a significant challenge. While lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have been extensively studied for gene editing in tumor cells, their potential application in DCs has remained relatively unexplored. This study investigates the important role of cholesterol in regulating the efficiency of BAMEA-O16B lipid-assisted nanoparticles (BLANs) as carriers of CRISPR/Cas9 for gene editing in DCs. Remarkably, BLANs with low cholesterol density exhibit exceptional mRNA uptake, improved endosomal escape, and efficient single-guide RNA release capabilities. Administration of BLANmCas9/gPD-L1 results in substantial PD-L1 gene knockout in conventional dendritic cells (cDCs), accompanied by heightened cDC1 activation, T cell stimulation, and significant suppression of tumor growth. The study underscores the pivotal role of cholesterol density within LNPs, revealing potent influence on gene editing efficacy within DCs. This strategy holds immense promise for the field of cancer immunotherapy, offering a novel avenue for treating immune-related diseases.
2.Research progress in the developmental process of non-viral CAR-T technology.
Haipeng LI ; Qiyu ZHU ; Jialiang ZHU ; Jingting MIN
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(5):461-467
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) lymphocytes are at the forefront of adoptive immunotherapy research, and this technology has significantly advanced the prospects of tumor immunotherapy. CAR-T therapy has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in haematological tumours of lymphoid origin and provided therapeutic possibility for solid tumours. Currently, CAR-T cell preparation predominantly involves transfection of T cells with viral vectors. However, the production of viral vectors is time-consuming, expensive, and the vectors have low loading capacity, along with insertion instability. Consequently, there is a pressing need to develop more convenient and precise non-viral gene delivery methods. This paper reviews the most promising non-viral gene delivery technologies, including CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, transposon systems such as Sleeping Beauty (SB) and PiggyBac (PB), and mRNA, and anticipates the future development of non-viral vector-based CAR-T therapies.
Humans
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Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods*
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Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology*
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Animals
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Gene Transfer Techniques
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Genetic Vectors/genetics*
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Gene Editing
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CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics*
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DNA Transposable Elements/genetics*
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T-Lymphocytes/immunology*
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Neoplasms/immunology*
3.Analysis Method of Empagliflozin and Related Substances in Empagliflozin Bulk Drug and Tablets
Yanlin HE ; Ying XIA ; Chaoyu HUANG ; Hongyu FAN ; Jialiang ZHU ; Rui LI ; Geng LI ; Fei YAN
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(1):24-31
Objective To establish a high-performance liquid chromatography method to detect empagliflozin and related substances in empagliflozin bulk drug and tablets,and to provide technical support for quality control and unified monitoring of empagliflozin bulk drug and its tablets.Methods A liquid chromatography development system with the full factorial design of experiments and the Box-Behnken model was used to screen and optimize the chromatographic parameters.Related substances were detected in empagliflozin API and empagliflozin tablets from different companies with the optimized chromatographic parameters.Results The optimized chromatographic parameters were obtained:Shim-pack GIST C18-AQ column(250 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm)was used,column temperature was 15 ℃,gradient elution with water-acetonitrile as mobile phase was as below,flow rate was 1.2 mL·min-1,detection wavelength was set at 224 nm.The specificity of the method is good,with recoveries ranging from 94.8%to 101.7%,and RSD ranging from 0.5%to 3.1%.The known single impurity in APIs and tablets is less than 0.05%,any other unknown single impurity is less than 0.06%,and the total amount of impurities are less than 0.3%.The related substances of supervised sampling are under good control.Conclusion The method is reliable and robust for determining related substances of empagliflozin and its tablets.
4.Quality Evaluation of Cisatracurium Besilate Injection
Jing FANG ; Xinying YU ; Kai DUO ; Biwei BAI ; Yu HAN ; Kexin XIAO ; Xinying MA ; Liqun LIU ; Jialiang ZHU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(1):31-38
Objective To evaluate the quality of cisatracurium besilate injection produced by domestic manufacturers.Methods A comprehensive evaluation of 104 batches of samples was carried out using statutory testing methods combined withexploratory research,including related substances,1,5-pentanediol diacrylate,residual solvents,genotoxic impurities of benzenesulfonate esters,infrared spectrum,and endotoxin examination.The quality of domestic products and the controllability of current specifications were comprehensively evaluated.Results According to the statutory tests,the qualified rate of 104 batches of samples was 100.0%.The exploratory research showed that the results of related substances in the samples produced by 6 manufacturers were far below the limit,and no genotoxic impurities of benzenesulfonate esters were detected.However,the results showed that there was variability in 1,5-pentanediol diacrylate,as well as residual solvents.Conclusions The quality of the cisatracurium besilate injection is good,and the current specifications should be further improved and unified.It was proposed that the infrared spectrum,related substance,and 1,5-pentanediol diacrylate method be added or revised,and the limit of endotoxin strictly controlled.It was proposed that manufacturers pay attention to the quality of API and control injection production.
5.Quality Evaluation on Huatan Pingchuan Tablets Based on National Drug Sampling and Testing
Dan LI ; Xianling YANG ; Hongyu ZHAI ; Yuhua SHEN ; Qiaosen REN ; Jing HAN ; Zhenbin FENG ; Jialiang ZHU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(1):39-46
Objective Based on the sampling test of national drugs,the quality of Huatan Pingchuan tablets was systematically evaluated,and the quality problems were analyzed to provide references and suggestions for the quality control of this variety and to improve its quality standard.Methods A total of 157 batches of samples were tested according to the statutory standard,and based on the testing results and prescription characteristics,microscopic identification and comprehensive analysis of its quality using thin-layer chromatography,high-performance liquid chromatography,and other methods were subsequently established or improved for the exploratory research.Results The established thin-layer chromatography identification for Radix Scutellariae,as well as the content determination methods for Radix Scutellariae,Syringae Cortex,and promethazine hydrochloride,are easy to operate and have good durability and specificity and can be applied to the quality control and evaluation of Huatan Pingchuan tablets.Conclusions The overall quality of the tablets is average;some enterprises should strengthen the quality control of raw medicinal materials(decoction pieces);individual enterprises have significant differences in the quality of samples from different batches,so they need to pay attention to the quality of raw materials and the stability of production processes;the inspection items of the current standards cannot fully reflect the key quality attributes of drugs,and standards improvement work needs to be carried out.
6.Research Progress on the Wuwei Qingzhuo Preparation of Mongolian Medicine and Shiliu Jianwei Preparation of Zang Medicine
Shengyun DAI ; Dongxue WU ; Rui HUANG ; Jie LIU ; Xiaoru HU ; Meng XIAO ; Chaojie LIAN ; Feng WEI ; Jian ZHENG ; Jialiang ZHU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(1):61-67
Based on the results of the National Drug Sampling and Inspection Programme,we summarized the history,the standard collection,the production enterprises and the dosage form specifications,the quality standard study,the pharmacological and pharmacodynamic study,and the clinical application study of Wuwei Qingzhuo preparation of Mongolian medicine and Shiliu Jianwei preparation of Zang medicine,to provide the basis for improved quality standards for both preparations.The development of these two preparations was searched and analyzed through literature.The available information shows that there is very little research on the two preparations and insufficient pharmacological experimental and clinical experimental data.The two preparations are basically the same in prescription and efficacy.However,the quality standards are very different,which are not conducive to the quality control of the two and their related dosage forms.And it is suggested that the Chinese Pharmacopoeia should take the situation of this category into comprehensive consideration,and unify the quality standards of the two preparations.
7.Risk Analysis and Countermeasures of Laboratory Management of National Drug Sampling and Testing Institutions
Jialiang ZHU ; Hao XI ; Lei FENG ; Miao XU ; Songqing GU ; Rui LI ; Ting SUN ; Lei CHEN
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(1):68-72
Objective To summarize the potential risk factors that may arise in the national drug sampling and testing inspection process in recent years,to focuse on the operation of the quality management system,and to put forward proposals on how to do a good job under the new drug regulatory model of sampling and testing work.Methods Focusing on the investigation of data integrity and authenticity,the analysis focuses on the analysis of risk points such as reagent management,standard substance management,instrument,and facility management,electronic data management and other issues,and carries out a comprehensive verification of the effectiveness of the operation of the quality management system and so on.Results National drug sampling and testing institutes should strengthen the overall quality management,according to the operation of the laboratory,combined with their respective risk characteristics,reagent management,standard substance management,instrument and facility management,electronic data management and other aspects of the risk of systematic sorting and the establishment of the risk alert function,the development of risk warning lists,and the implementation of the corresponding risk control strategy.Conclusion National drug sampling and testing institutes must strengthen the operation of the process of influencing factors in the effective control of the emphasis on the testing of the work of the key control points and continue to standardize and improve the inspection process of the quality system to ensure that the quality of the various activities in a controlled state.
8.Quality Evaluation of Qiangli Pipa Lu Based on National Drug Sampling and Testing
Jia WU ; Jun ZENG ; Xiangmin ZHOU ; Jialiang ZHU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(10):1576-1580
Objective Based on the national drug sampling inspection work,a systematic evaluation of the quality of Qiangli Pipa Lu was conducted and the existing problems were analyzed to provide reference and suggestions for the quality control of this variety.Methods A total of 328 batches of samples were tested according to the statutory standard,and based on the testing results and prescription characteristics,gas chromatography,high performance liquid chromatography,ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem high resolution mass spectrometry and other methods were subsequently established or improved for the exploratory research.Results The established methods for the determination of menthol,poppy shell,flavoring agents and preservatives were simple to operate,durable and highly specific,and can be applied to the quality control and evaluation of Qiangli Pipa Lu.Conclusion The overall quality of Qiangli Pipa Lu is good.Propose unified quality standard quality control projects;Enterprises should strengthen the quality control of raw materials;enterprises need to pay attention to the stability of production process.
9.Study of Related Substances and Impurity Profiles of Ornidazole Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient and Injection Based on National Drug Sampling and Testing
Qingqing ZHANG ; Xiaodie HE ; Qing HUANG ; Yue GENG ; Minwen HUANG ; Minhui CHEN ; Jialiang ZHU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(10):1580-1587
Objective To determine the related substances in ornidazole active pharmaceutical ingredient(API)and injections using high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)and to study the impurity profile of ornidazole using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)combined with forced degradation tests,aiming to clarify the sources of impurities and their correlation with the prescription and production process and providing technical support for the unified evaluation and quality control of this product.Methods A Phenomenex Luna C18column(4.6 mm×250 mm,5 μm)was used for the separation of ornidazole and its impurities,with 0.000 5%formic acid as mobile phase A and methanol as mobile phase B under gradient elution.The impurity content of 4 batches of APIs,3 batches of reference preparations,and 11 batches of domestic generic preparations were determined.The structure of unknown impurities was predicted using Jet Stream Ion Focusing Electrospray Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry(AJS-TOF-MS/MS),and the sources of impurities were identified combined with forced degradation experiments,the prescription and the production process of various manufacturers.Results Ornidazole and its known impurities were well separated under the chromatographic conditions.The structures of five unknown impurities were inferred,and the sources of the impurities were identified.Conclusion This study provides a reference for impurity analysis,quality control,and overall evaluation of ornidazole API and injection.
10.Quality Evaluation on Xiaoer Huatan Zhike Granules Based on National Drug Sampling and Testing
Lihua YIN ; Longhua YANG ; Zhengwei CHEN ; Xuewei QIU ; Manyun SU ; Hang YUAN ; Jialiang ZHU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(10):1588-1594
Objective To identify potential quality risks of Xiaoer Huatan Zhike Granules(Pediatric Phlegm-Resolving and Cough-Relieving Granules)through National Drug Sampling and Inspection,evaluate their overall quality,and propose improvements to the quality standards.Methods Samples from 34 manufacturers were tested using official standards.Exploratory methods were developed to enhance risk analysis,including thin-layer chromatography(TLC)identification,content uniformity testing,quantitative assays,and screening for unauthorized additives(e.g.,colorants).Results All batches met the official standards(100.0%compliance rate).However,deficiencies were observed:most manufacturers lacked controls for ephedrine hydrochloride content uniformity and quantification,omitted key ingredient identifications(e.g.,herbal components),and exhibited insufficient TLC specificity(e.g.,TLC of Ipecac tincture showed only one spot instead of multiple alkaloid-specific spots).Exploratory studies revealed risks in total emetine/cephaeline content,morroniside A/platycodin D content,ephedrine hydrochloride uniformity,and unauthorized colorant addition.Conclusions The overall quality of this variety is good,but the enterprise should improve the quality control measures throughout the entire process and establish stricter internal control standards;The official standards,unchanged for approximately 30 years,fail to address current regulatory requirements.The statutory quality standards need to be revised and improved.Qualitative or quantitative indicators for all drug flavors in the prescription should be added,and the content uniformity inspection of ephedrine hydrochloride should be increased.

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