Anti-CD22-conjugated CdTe QDs co-loaded with doxorubicin and gambogic acid: a novel platform for lymphoma treatment

Abstract

Chemotherapy is the main treatment modality for lymphoma but may cause severe adverse effects. The number of patients who are refractory to conventional chemotherapeutic drugs continuously increases. We propose a novel drug delivery system comprising anti-CD22-conjugated cadmium–tellurium quantum dots (CdTe QDs) co-loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) and gambogic acid (GA; as a chemosensitizer). The system, designated as DOX/GA–CdTe–CD22, can be used for nanoparticle-based targeted combination chemotherapy. The system showed appropriate diameter, good dispersibility, high encapsulation efficiency, and high drug loading. The therapeutic and side effects were evaluated by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Results demonstrate that DOX/GA–CdTe–CD22 can precisely deliver drugs to tumor cells, thereby improving the antitumor activity of the drug and attenuating its toxicity against normal tissues. The enhanced efficacy could be due to increased apoptosis via the Bax/caspase-3/PARP pathway. This study suggests a novel and promising therapeutic option for lymphoma.