Cytotoxic effects of cetuximab-conjugated calcium phosphate-nanoparticles on epithelial and mesenchymal cells

Introduction:

Nanoparticles (NP) are increasingly used as carrier for various molecules and substances. Especially in oncology it is tried to use NP for targeted tumor-cell inactivation. This work investigates the toxicological effects of calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaP) with and without conjugated cetuximab on epithelial and mesenchymal cells.

Methods:

The application of CaP-Nanoparticles with and without conjugated-cetuximab is conducted on an epithelial tumor cell line (FaDu) as well as on mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) of the nasal mucosa. The concentration dependent influence was quantified by the evaluation of cell morphology and viability and also flow cytometry. The latter was conducted following stimulation with interferon-gamma (INF-g) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a). Long-term effects have been assessed by MSC-differentiation assays.

Results:

Proliferation and viability of both cell types is reduced by CaP in a time and concentration depended manner. This effect was amplified by the use of cetuximab-conjugated NP. CaP intensifies the ability of FaDu cells to be stimulated by TNF-a and INF-g. The adipogenic differentiation of MSCs was increased in the presence of CaP.

Conclusions:

Calcium phosphate nanoparticles are modulating cell biology of epithelial and mesenchymal cells of the head and neck region. Time- and dose-depended cytotoxic effects have been observed. Particularly on epithelial as well as delayed on stromal cells. CaP are biologic active drug-carriers. Before using CaP as therapeutic agents careful analysis of the potential effects on the target cells are essential.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)