Targeted degradation of VEGF with bispecific aptamer-based LYTACs ameliorates pathological retinal angiogenesis

Abstract

Rationale: Neovascular ocular diseases (NODs) represent the leading cause of visual impairment globally. Despite significant advances in anti-angiogenic therapies targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), persistent challenges remain prevalent. As a proof-of-concept study, we herein demonstrate the effectiveness of targeted degradation of VEGF with bispecific aptamer-based lysosome-targeting chimeras (referred to as VED-LYTACs). Methods: VED-LYTACs were constructed with three distinct modules: a mannose-6-phosphate receptor (M6PR)-binding motif containing an M6PR aptamer, a VEGF-binding module with an aptamer targeting VEGF, and a linker essential for bridging and stabilizing the two-aptamer structure. The degradation efficiency of VED-LYTACs via the autophagy-lysosome system was examined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence staining. Subsequently, the anti-angiogenic effects of VED-LYTACs were evaluated using in vitro wound healing assay, tube formation assay, three-dimensional sprouting assay, and ex vivo aortic ring sprouting assay. Finally, the potential therapeutic effects of VED-LYTACs on pathological retinal neovascularization and vascular leakage were tested by employing mouse models of NODs. Results: The engineered VED-LYTACs promote the interaction between M6PR and VEGF, consequently facilitating the translocation and degradation of VEGF through the lysosome. Our data show that treatment with VED-LYTACs significantly suppresses VEGF-induced angiogenic activities both in vitro and ex vivo. In addition, intravitreal injection of VED-LYTACs remarkably ameliorates abnormal vascular proliferation and leakage in mouse models of NODs. Conclusion: Our findings present a novel strategy for targeting VEGF degradation with an aptamer-based LYTAC system, effectively ameliorating pathological retinal angiogenesis. These results suggest that VED-LYTACs have potential as therapeutic agents for managing NODs.