Plant-derived extracellular vesicles as nanocarriers for combination therapy enhancing paclitaxel-based regimens in breast cancer

Youngcheon Song,Hyunseok Kong,Soohwan Oh,Sang Bum Kim 생화학분자생물학회 2025 BMB Reports Vol.58 No.2

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortalityworldwide. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents uniquechallenges owing to its aggressiveness and limited treatmentoptions. Paclitaxel-based chemotherapy is widely used in breastcancer treatment. However, its efficacy is often limited by toxicity,multidrug resistance, and lack of targeted delivery. Inresponse to these challenges, recent studies have focused on theuse of extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly plant-derivedEVs, as innovative drug delivery systems capable of enhancingtherapeutic outcomes and reducing adverse effects. Plant-derivedEVs offer significant advantages owing to their biocompatibility,low immunogenicity, and scalability. They provide anatural platform for delivering chemotherapeutics such aspaclitaxel and doxorubicin directly to tumor cells. This reviewexplores the therapeutic potential of plant-derived EVs inbreast cancer treatment, focusing on TNBC by examining theirability to improve drug stability, bioavailability, and selectivetargeting of cancer cells. Key studies on EVs derived fromplants such as grapefruit, ginger, and tea leaves have demonstratedtheir capacity to deliver chemotherapeutic agents effectivelywhile mitigating common side effects associated withconventional delivery methods. Although the use of plantderivedEVs is still in early stages of research, findings suggestthat that these nanocarriers can serve as transformative tools inoncology, providing a versatile and efficient platform for precisecancer treatment. This review highlights current landscape ofresearch on plant-derived EVs, their application in breast cancertherapy, and future directions required to translate thesefindings into clinical practice.

다단 축류압축기의 안정성 개선을 위한 실험적 연구

임영천(Youngcheon Lim),임형수(Hyungsoo Lim),송성진(Seungjin Song),강신형(Shinhyoung Kang) 한국추진공학회 2009 한국추진공학회 학술대회논문집 Vol.2009 No.11

압축기에 불안정한 특성인 선회실속(Rotating stall)이 발생하면 압력 및 효율이 저하되고, 기계적인 손상도 야기한다. 이러한 불안정성을 개선하고 안정 운전영역을 넓히기 위해 4단 저속 축류압축기에 공기 분사(Air injection) 방법을 적용하여 안정성 개선 실험을 실시하였다. 동익 팁에 축방향으로 공기를 분사할 수 있도록 하기 위해 코안다 효과를 적용한 노즐을 사용하였고, 8개의 인젝터를 1단 동익 상단에 등간격으로 설치하였다. 축류 압축기 80% speed로 운전하면서 선회실속이 발생하기 전에 공기 분사를 실시하였고, 모드(Mode) 발생 유량의 5.4%에 해당하는 공기를 분사하여 약 4%의 안정성 개선효과를 얻었다. A rotating stall, an instable phenomenon of compressor, brings about reducing the pressure rise, the efficiency of compressor and a mechanical demage. In order to improve instability and extend operating range, it was performed that a stability enhancement experiment applying air injection method at the 4-stage low-speed axial compressor. The coanda nozzle was used to inject air in axial direction at rotor tip and 8 injectors were set up at regular interval at the upstream of 1st stage rotor. At 80% speed, injectors were worked before rotating stall happened. As injecting the 5.4% air of mode inception flow rate, the stability of compressor operation enhanced about 4%.

Auranofin, an Immunosuppressive Drug, Inhibits MHC Class I and MHC Class II Pathways of Antigen Presentation in Dendritic Cells

한신하,김광희,Youngcheon Song,Hyunyul Kim,Jeunghak Kwon,이영희,이종길,Sang-Jin Lee,하남주,김경제 대한약학회 2008 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.31 No.3

Auranofin (AF), an orally administered, gold-based, anti-arthritic agent, has emerged as a clinically useful therapeutic drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. In the present study, we examined the effects of AF on major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted antigen presentation in dendritic cells (DCs), which are the most important accessory cells for the induction of T cell responses. A mouse dendritic cell line, DC2.4 cells, and DCs that were generated from mouse bone marrow cells by culturing with granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin (IL)-4 were each pretreated with AF for 2 hr, and then incubated with ovalbumin (OVA). After the 2-hr incubation, the DCs were fixed, and the amounts of OVA peptide-H-2Kb complexes were assessed using OVA-specific CD8+ T cells. AF inhibited MHC class I-restricted presentation of exogenous OVA. This inhibitory activity of AF appeared to be due not only to the inhibition of the phagocytic activity of DCs, but also to the suppression of MHC molecule expression on DCs. AF also inhibited MHC class II-restricted presentation of exogenous OVA. These results show that AF exerts immunosuppressive activity at least in part by inhibiting MHC-restricted antigen presentation in professional antigen-presenting cells.

Pharmacological and Therapeutic Activities of Aloe vera and Its Major Active Constituent Acemannan

Sang-Hyun Kim,Kyu-Suk Shim,Youngcheon Song,Kyungjae Kim,Chan-Su Park,Chong-Kil Lee 건강기능식품미래포럼 2023 건강기능식품미래포럼 학술지 Vol.3 No.2

Aloe vera, a medicinal herb with a lengthy history in traditional and folk medicine, is widely used today as a common ingredient in various healthcare and beauty products. Extensive research has been conducted to verify its therapeutic effectiveness, understand its mechanisms, and identify the active components responsible for its properties. The plant has been found to possess numerous biological properties, including immune system regulation, anti-inflammatory effects, promotion of wound healing, potential anticancer activity, antiviral properties, management of diabetes, and protection against radiation. While the polysaccharides present in the inner gel, particularly acemannan, have been credited for many of therapeutic effects of A. vera, other constituents such as lectins, alkaloids, anthraquinones, anthrones, chromones, coumarins, and polyphenols also contribute to its diverse and numerous benefits. In this review, we focus on acemannan, a well-studied polysaccharide extracted from A. vera gel, while highlighting the recently discovered effects and applications of this remarkable plant.

Macrophage-colony Stimulating Factor Enhances MHC -restricted Presen tation of Exogenous Antigen in DC2.4 and BM -derived Dendritic Cells

KIM Kyungjae,HAN Shinha,CHO Kyunhgae,SONG Youngcheon,LEE Young-Hee,LEE Young-Ran,LEE Chong- Kil,KIM Hyunyul,KIM Kwanghee 大韓藥學會 2005 大韓藥學會 總會 및 學術大會 Vol.2005 No.2

Aloe QDM complex enhances specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte killing <i>in vivo</i> in metabolic disease mice

Lee, Youngjoo,Kim, Jiyeon,An, Jinho,Lee, Heetae,Kong, Hyunseok,Song, Youngcheon,Shin, Eunju,Do, Seon-Gil,Lee, Chong-Kil,Kim, Kyungjae Taylor & Francis 2017 Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry Vol. No.

<P>We developed spontaneous diet-induced metabolic disease in mice by feeding them a high-fat diet for 23weeks and administered Aloe QDM complex for 16weeks to examine its restorative effect on immune disorders and metabolic syndrome. A series of immune functional assays indicated Aloe QDM complex enhanced lymphocyte proliferation and antigen-specific immunity as determined by the restored functions of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and IgG production. The elevated serum TNF- level was also regulated by Aloe QDM complex treatment, which suggested its complex therapeutic potential. As for metabolic phenotypes, oral administration of Aloe QDM complex significantly improved diabetic symptoms, including high fasting glucose levels and glucose tolerance, and distinctly alleviated lipid accumulation in adipose and hepatic tissue. The simultaneous restoration of Aloe QDM complex on metabolic syndrome and host immune dysfunction, especially on the specific CTL killing was first elucidated in our study.</P>

Restoration of Declined Immune Responses and Hyperlipidemia by Rubus occidenalis in Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Lee, Youngjoo,Kim, Jiyeon,An, Jinho,Lee, Sungwon,Lee, Heetae,Kong, Hyunseok,Song, Youngcheon,Choi, Hye Ran,Kwon, Ji-Wung,Shin, Daekeun,Lee, Chong-Kil,Kim, Kyungjae The Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology 2017 Biomolecules & Therapeutics(구 응용약물학회지) Vol.25 No.2

Hyperlipidemia, which is closely associated with a fatty diet and aging, is commonly observed in the western and aged society. Therefore, a novel therapeutic approach for this disease is critical, and an immunological view has been suggested as a novel strategy, because hyperlipidemia is closely associated with inflammation and immune dysfunction. In this study, the effects of an aqueous extract of Rubus occidentalis (RO) in obese mice were investigated using immunological indexes. The mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce hyperlipidemia, which was confirmed by biochemical analysis and examination of the mouse physiology. Two different doses of RO and rosuvastatin, a cholesterol synthesis inhibitor used as a control, were orally administered. Disturbances in immune cellularity as well as lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production were significantly normalized by oral administration of RO, which also decreased the elevated serum tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$ level and total cholesterol. The specific immune-related actions of RO comprised considerable improvement in cytotoxic T cell killing functions and regulation of antibody production to within the normal range. The immunological evidence confirms the significant cholesterol-lowering effect of RO, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic agent for hyperlipidemia and associated immune decline.

Metformin Down-regulates $TNF-{\alpha}$ Secretion via Suppression of Scavenger Receptors in Macrophages

Hyun, Bobae,Shin, Seulmee,Lee, Aeri,Lee, Sungwon,Song, Youngcheon,Ha, Nam-Joo,Cho, Kyung-Hea,Kim, Kyungjae The Korean Association of Immunobiologists 2013 Immune Network Vol.13 No.4

Obesity is consistently increasing in prevalence and can trigger insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Many lines of evidence have shown that macrophages play a major role in inflammation associated with obesity. This study was conducted to determine metformin, a widely prescribed drug for type 2 diabetes, would regulate inflammation through down-regulation of scavenger receptors in macrophages from obesity-induced type 2 diabetes. RAW 264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages were stimulated with LPS to induce inflammation, and C57BL/6N mice were fed a high-fat diet to generate obesity-induced type 2 diabetes mice. Metformin reduced the production of NO, $PGE_2$ and pro-inflammatory cytokines ($IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$) through down-regulation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ translocation in macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, the protein expressions of anti-inflammatory cytokines, IL-4 and IL-10, were enhanced or maintained by metformin. Also, metformin suppressed secretion of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and reduced the protein and mRNA expression of $TNF-{\alpha}$ in obese mice as well as in macrophages. The expression of scavenger receptors, CD36 and SR-A, were attenuated by metformin in macrophages and obese mice. These results suggest that metformin may attenuate inflammatory responses by suppressing the production of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and the expressions of scavenger receptors.

Restoration of Declined Immune Responses and Hyperlipidemia by Rubus occidenalis in Diet-Induced Obese Mice

( Youngjoo Lee ),( Jiyeon Kim ),( Jinho An ),( Sungwon Lee ),( Heetae Lee ),( Hyunseok Kong ),( Youngcheon Song ),( Hye Ran Choi ),( Ji-wung Kwon ),( Daekeun Shin ),( Chong-kil Lee ),( Kyungjae Kim ) 한국응용약물학회 2017 Biomolecules & Therapeutics(구 응용약물학회지) Vol.25 No.2

Hyperlipidemia, which is closely associated with a fatty diet and aging, is commonly observed in the western and aged society. Therefore, a novel therapeutic approach for this disease is critical, and an immunological view has been suggested as a novel strategy, because hyperlipidemia is closely associated with inflammation and immune dysfunction. In this study, the effects of an aqueous extract of Rubus occidentalis (RO) in obese mice were investigated using immunological indexes. The mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce hyperlipidemia, which was confirmed by biochemical analysis and examination of the mouse physiology. Two different doses of RO and rosuvastatin, a cholesterol synthesis inhibitor used as a control, were orally administered. Disturbances in immune cellularity as well as lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production were significantly normalized by oral administration of RO, which also decreased the elevated serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α level and total cholesterol. The specific immune-related actions of RO comprised considerable improvement in cytotoxic T cell killing functions and regulation of antibody production to within the normal range. The immunological evidence confirms the significant cholesterol-lowering effect of RO, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic agent for hyperlipidemia and associated immune decline.

COVID-19 Therapeutics: An Update on Effective Treatments Against Infection With SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Padasas Bill Thaddeus,Españo Erica,Kim Sang-Hyun,Song Youngcheon,이종길,김정기 대한면역학회 2023 Immune Network Vol.23 No.2

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is one of the most consequential global health crises in over a century. Since its discovery in 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to mutate into different variants and sublineages, rendering previously potent treatments and vaccines ineffective. With significant strides in clinical and pharmaceutical research, different therapeutic strategies continue to be developed. The currently available treatments can be broadly classified based on their potential targets and molecular mechanisms. Antiviral agents function by disrupting different stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection, while immune-based treatments mainly act on the human inflammatory response responsible for disease severity. In this review, we discuss some of the current treatments for COVID-19, their mode of actions, and their efficacy against variants of concern. This review highlights the need to constantly evaluate COVID-19 treatment strategies to protect high risk populations and fill in the gaps left by vaccination.