Abstract
Problem: BNC containing hepatitis B virus surface antigen consists of approximately 50-nm hollow particles displaying a human hepatocyte-recognizing molecule(pre-S1 peptide). BNC has been used as an HB vaccine for the last two decades. In this study, we optimized the BNC as a new drug delivery system(DDS)for uterus.Method of Study: The N terminal of Pre-S1 peptide was replaced with the TAT(trans-activating transcription factor)peptide. The Cy5.5 labeled BNC was transferred into the murine uterine cavity. The distribution of BNC was observed by in-vivo imaging system and also by immunohistochemistry. The luciferase expression plasmid DNA was incorporated into BNC using liposome(Coatsome EL-01-D). The luciferase expression plasmid DNA was transferred into uterine cavity using TAT-BNC-liposome complex. The efficiency of gene transfection was analysed by luciferase assay.Results: TAT-BNCs temporary stayed in uterus. BNCs were observed in luminal and glandular epithelial cells, but not in stroma and myometrium. The transfection efficiency of the TAT-BNC–liposome complex was significantly higher than lipofection.Conclusion: These results suggest that BNC could be an applicable DDS for uterus. In this study, we replaced the N terminal of Pre-S1 peptide with TAT peptide. However, it is replaceable with sugar chains and antibodies. Recently there are some reports that some of special sugar chains are expressed on uterine endometrium during pregnancy and uterine cancer. If we can find specific sugar chains or cell surface antibodies on uterine endometrium for reproductive dysfunction and uterine cancer, this DDS system can be more targetable.
