Conjugation and encapsulation of L-asparaginase: an effective strategy for augmenting enzyme potential for anticancer activity

Abstract

Extensive research is being conducted for cancer treatment but eradicating cancer cells is a great challenge till date due to lack of understanding regarding cancer development and manifestation in the systemic and local environment. L-asparaginase (ASNase), a well-known drug since decades for treatment of paediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is an enzyme that restricts the ability of the non-essential amino acid asparagine for tumor progression by breaking it down to aspartic acid and ammonia thereby depriving tumor cells from their key nutrient for survival. Though the enzyme has gained immense interest in clinical and scientific community the major challenge posed by the use of this specific enzyme in antilymphoproliferative studies is the induction of several immunogenic responses. In this review, we have highlighted the different encapsulation techniques using emerging carrier molecules to increase enzyme efficacy with a minimum negative impact on the living cells. Further we have highlighted the recent approach in which encapsulation of the enzyme using diverse nanoparticles which have proved its effectiveness in rendering target-specific action along with reduced immunogenicity, improved half-life, thermal stability and better enzyme activity.