The inhibitory effect of a new scFv/tP protein as siRNA delivery system to target hWAPL in cervical carcinoma.

Targeted immunotherapy has become a popular research topic in cancer. The development and metastasis of cervical carcinoma are closely related to epidermal growth factor (EGF) and EGF-1 receptor (EGFR). We successfully constructed a single-chain human anti-EGFR antibody (scFv) and truncated protamine (tP) fusion protein (scFV/tP) expression vector using overlap extension PCR. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and gel shift assay showed that the fusion protein retained the DNA and antigen-binding activity of the original antibody. Using the non-viral scFv/tP vector as a delivery tool, small interfering RNA (siRNA) of the human wings apart-like gene (hWAPL) was effectively transfected into cervical cancer HeLa cells. The hWAPL mRNA expression levels were reduced by 97.23% in contrast with control cells, and the proliferation capability declined by 66.71%, indicating significant inhibition. The present results provide a novel strategy for targeted gene therapy and siRNA therapy of EGFR-positive cervical cancers.