RNA APTAMERS AGAINST BAFF-R AS CELL-TYPE SPECIFIC DELIVERY AGENTS AND METHODS FOR THEIR USE

摘要

Provided is a B cell specific aptamer-siRNA chimera. The B cell specific aptamer-siRNA chimera may include an RNA aptamer that binds BAFF-R and an siRNA molecule conjugated to the RNA aptamer via a nucleotide linker. Further provided is a B cell specific RNA aptamer. The RNA aptamer may be a molecule that binds to BAFF-R that has the sequence SEQ 10 NO:37, SEQ ID NO:38, or SEQ ID NO:39. The RNA aptamer may be conjugated, via a nucleotide linker, to an siRNA molecule that suppresses expression of one or more target oncogenes in one or more B cells, including Bcl6, Bcl2, STAT3, Cyclin D1, Cyclin E2, and c-myc. Further provided are methods for treating a B cell malignancy in a cancer patient. Such methods may include administering a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic composition, the therapeutic composition comprising a B cell specific RNA aptamer that binds BAFF-R.