CXCR4-Targeted Nanocarriers for Triple Negative Breast Cancers

CXCR4 is a cell membrane receptor that is overexpressed in triple-negative breast cancers and implicated in growth and metastasis of this disease. Using electrohydrodynamic cojetting, we prepared multicompartmental drug delivery carriers for CXCR4 targeting. The particles are comprised of a novel poly­(lactide-<i>co</i>-glycolide) derivative that allows for straightforward immobilization of 1,1′-[1,4-phenylenebis­(methylene)]­bis­[1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane] (Plerixafor), a small molecule with affinity for CXCR4. Targeted nanocarriers are selectively taken up by CXCR4-expressing cells and effectively block CXCR4 signaling. This study suggests that CXCR4 may be an effective target for nanocarrier-based therapies