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Zhou S, Yang H. Radiotherapy modulates autophagy to reshape the tumor immune microenvironment to enhance anti-tumor immunity in esophageal cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2025; 1880:189302. [PMID: 40120778 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2025.189302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2025] [Accepted: 03/16/2025] [Indexed: 03/25/2025]
Abstract
The combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy exerts synergistic antitumor in a range of human cancers, and also in esophageal cancer. Radiotherapy-induced tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) reprogramming is an essential basis for the synergistic antitumor between radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Radiotherapy can induce autophagy in tumor cells and immune cells of TIME, and autophagy activation is involved in the modification of immunological characteristics of TIME. The TIME landscape of esophageal cancer, especially ESCC, can be affected by radiotherapy or autophagy regulation. In this review, we depicted that local radiotherapy-induced autophagy could promote the maturation, migration, infiltration, and function of immune cells by complicated mechanisms to make TIME from immune "cold" to "hot", resulting in the synergistic antitumor of RT and IO. We argue that unraveling the relevance of radiotherapy-initiated autophagy to driving radiotherapy reprogramming TIME will open new ideas to explore new targets or more efficiently multimodal therapeutic interventions in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suna Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology of Taizhou, Department of Radiation Oncology, Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, Zhejiang 317000, China
| | - Haihua Yang
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology of Taizhou, Department of Radiation Oncology, Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, Zhejiang 317000, China.
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2
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Zhang L, Bai J, Shen A, Zhao J, Su Z, Wang M, Dong M, Xu ZP. Artificially tagging tumors with nano-aluminum adjuvant-tethered antigen mRNA recruits and activates antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells for enhanced cancer immunotherapy. Biomaterials 2025; 317:123085. [PMID: 39778272 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2025.123085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2024] [Revised: 12/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/01/2025] [Indexed: 01/11/2025]
Abstract
T cell therapy for solid tumors faces significant challenges due to the immune off-target attack caused by the loss of tumor surface antigens and inactivation in acidic tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we developed a bifunctional immunomodulator (MO@NAL) by loading ovalbumin (OVA; model antigen) mRNA (mOVA) onto lysozyme-coated layered double hydroxide nano-aluminum adjuvant (NA). The NA's inherent alkalinity effectively neutralizes the excess acid within the TME and suppresses regulatory T cells, creating a favorable microenvironment to enhance cytotoxic T cell infiltration and activation in tumors. Particularly, once internalization by tumor cells, MO@NAL efficiently tags the tumor cell surface with OVA through the carried mOVA, providing targets for recruiting and directing the antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells to destroy tumor cells. In mice pre-vaccinated with the OVA vaccine, intratumoral administration of MO@NAL rapidly awakens OVA-specific immune memory, rapidly and effectively inhibiting the progression of colon tumors and melanoma at both early and advanced stages. In non-pre-vaccinated mice, combining MO@NAL with the OVA therapeutic vaccine or OVA-specific adoptive T cell transfusion similarly achieves robust solid tumor suppression. These findings thus underscore the potential of MO@NAL as an effective and safe immunomodulator for enhancing cytotoxic T cell responses and providing timely intervention in solid tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxiao Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (INANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus C, DK-8000, Denmark.
| | - Jie Bai
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518107, China; School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Aining Shen
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Zhenwei Su
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Maoze Wang
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518107, China; Guoke Ningbo Life Science and Health Industry Research Institute, Ningbo, 315040, China
| | - Mingdong Dong
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (INANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus C, DK-8000, Denmark.
| | - Zhi Ping Xu
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518107, China; School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, China; Guoke Ningbo Life Science and Health Industry Research Institute, Ningbo, 315040, China.
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3
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Su Z, Boucetta H, Shao J, Huang J, Wang R, Shen A, He W, Xu ZP, Zhang L. Next-generation aluminum adjuvants: Immunomodulatory layered double hydroxide NanoAlum reengineered from first-line drugs. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:4665-4682. [PMID: 39664431 PMCID: PMC11628803 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 12/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Aluminum adjuvants (Alum), approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, have been extensively used in vaccines containing recombinant antigens, subunits of pathogens, or toxins for almost a century. While Alums typically elicit strong humoral immune responses, their ability to induce cellular and mucosal immunity is limited. As an alternative, layered double hydroxide (LDH), a widely used antacid, has emerged as a novel class of potent nano-aluminum adjuvants (NanoAlum), demonstrating advantageous physicochemical properties, biocompatibility and adjuvanticity in both humoral and cellular immune responses. In this review, we summarize and compare the advantages and disadvantages of Alum and NanoAlum in these properties and their performance as adjuvants. Moreover, we propose the key features for ideal adjuvants and demonstrate that LDH NanoAlum is a promising candidate by summarizing its current progress in immunotherapeutic cancer treatments. Finally, we conclude the review by offering our integrated perspectives about the remaining challenges and future directions for NanoAlum's application in preclinical/clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenwei Su
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518107, China
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Hamza Boucetta
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518107, China
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Jiahui Shao
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518107, China
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Jinling Huang
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518107, China
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Ran Wang
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Aining Shen
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Wei He
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Zhi Ping Xu
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518107, China
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Lingxiao Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (INANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
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Qiu Q, Li J, Ren H, Zhang J, Liu G, Yang R, Sun B, Zhang C, Zhang Y. Zinc Coordination Lipid Nanoparticles Co-Delivering Calcium Peroxide and Chelating STING agonist for Enhanced Cancer Metalloimmunotherapy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2402308. [PMID: 39114869 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202402308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 11/21/2024]
Abstract
Metalloimmunotherapy has achieved great preclinical success against malignant tumors. Nonetheless, the limited immune cell infiltration and impaired immunogenicity within the tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly hinder its translation to clinical applications. In this study, a zinc coordination lipid nanoparticle is developed loaded with calcium peroxide hydrate (CaO2) nanoparticles and the STING agonist diABZI-2, which is termed A-CaO2-Zn-LNP. The release of Zn2+ from the A-CaO2-Zn-LNP and the calcium overload synergistically induced immunogenic cell death (ICD). In addition, CaO2 nanoparticles can consume H+ and release oxygen (O2) under acidic conditions. This treatment increased the pH and alleviated the hypoxia of the TME. Along with cGAS-STING activation by diABZI-2, A-CaO2-Zn-LNP ultimately results in enhanced anti-tumor systemic immunity and long-term immune memory via alleviating the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Taken together, A-CaO2-Zn-LNP offers a new nanoplatform that expands its application for cancer treatment by metalloimmunotheray.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Qiu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Jiexin Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - He Ren
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Jingyu Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Gengqi Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Ruiqi Yang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Boyang Sun
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Yumiao Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
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Yan X, Zhang H, Zhu H, Qu Y, Wu Y, Zhu J, Li L, Zhang J. Nanohybrid-Based Redox Homeostasis Perturbators Escaped from Early Lysosomes toward Amplified Sensitization of Tumor Cells and Photothermally Maneuvered Pyroptosis Therapy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:43212-43226. [PMID: 39106039 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c06283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) hold great potential in tumor pyroptosis therapy, yet they are still limited by short species lifespan and limited diffusion distance. Inducing cells into a metastable state and then applying external energy can effectively trigger pyroptosis, but systemic sensitization still faces challenges, such as limited ROS content, rapid decay, and short treatment windows. Herein, a nanohybrid-based redox homeostasis-perturbator system was designed that synergistically induce early lysosomal escape, autophagy inhibition, and redox perturbation functions to effectively sensitize cells to address these challenges. Specifically, weakly alkaline layered double hydroxide nanosheets (LDH NSs) with pH-responsive degradation properties enabled early lysosomal escape within 4 h, releasing poly(L-dopa) nanoparticles for inducing catechol-quinone redox cycling in the cytoplasm. The intracellular ROS levels were systematically rebounded by 3-4 times in tumor cells and lasted for over 4 h. Subsequently induced lysosomal stress and Ca2+ signaling activation resulted in severe mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as a perilous metastable state. Thereby, sequential near-infrared light was applied to trigger amplified stress through a local photothermal conversion. This led to sufficiently high levels of cleaved caspase-1 and GSDMD activation (2.5-2.8-fold increment) and subsequent pyroptosis response. In addition, OH- released by LDH elevated pH to alleviate the limitation of glutathione depletion by quinones at acidic pH and inhibit protective autophagy. Largely secreted inflammatory factors (2.5-5.6-fold increment), efficient maturation of dendritic cells, and further immune stimulation were boosted for tumor inhibition as a consequence. This study offers a new paradigm and insights into the synergy of internal systematic cellular sensitization and sequential external energy treatment to achieve tumor suppression through pyroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xicheng Yan
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, No. 174 Shazheng Road, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, No. 174 Shazheng Road, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Hanyin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, No. 174 Shazheng Road, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yongyi Qu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, No. 174 Shazheng Road, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yunyun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, No. 174 Shazheng Road, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, No. 174 Shazheng Road, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Lin Li
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, No. 174 Shazheng Road, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Jixi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, No. 174 Shazheng Road, Chongqing 400044, China
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Zhang W, Wang M, Ji C, Liu X, Gu B, Dong T. Macrophage polarization in the tumor microenvironment: Emerging roles and therapeutic potentials. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:116930. [PMID: 38878638 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a combination of tumor cells and indigenous host stroma, which consists of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, pericytes, and non-cellular elements. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) represent the major tumor-infiltrating immune cell type and are generally polarized into two functionally contradictory subtypes, namely classical activated M1 macrophages and alternatively activated M2 macrophages. Macrophage polarization refers to how macrophages are activated at a given time and space. The interplay between the TME and macrophage polarization can influence tumor initiation and progression, making TAM a potential target for cancer therapy. Here, we review the latest investigations on factors orchestrating macrophage polarization in the TME, how macrophage polarization affects tumor progression, and the perspectives in modulating macrophage polarization for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenru Zhang
- Department of Natural Products Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Mengmeng Wang
- Department of Natural Products Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Chonghao Ji
- Department of Implantology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 2A Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Bowen Gu
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States.
| | - Ting Dong
- Department of Natural Products Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
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7
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Bai Y, Nan Y, Wu T, Zhu A, Xie X, Sun Y, Deng Y, Dou Z, Hu X, Zhou R, Xu S, Zhang Y, Fan J, Ju D. Lipid Nanoparticle-Mediated Delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 Against Rubicon Ameliorates NAFLD by Modulating CD36 Along with Glycerophospholipid Metabolism. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400493. [PMID: 38894572 PMCID: PMC11336963 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prominent cause of various chronic metabolic hepatic diseases with limited therapeutics. Rubicon, an essential regulator in lysosomal degradation, is reported to exacerbate hepatic steatosis in NAFLD mice and patients, indicating its probability of being a therapeutic target for NAFLD treatment. In this study, the therapeutic potential of Rubicon blockage is investigated. Lipid nanoparticles carrying Rubicon-specific CRISPR-Cas9 components exhibited liver accumulation, cell internalization, and Rubicon knockdown. A single administration of the nanoparticles results in attenuated lipid deposition and hepatic steatosis, with lower circulating lipid levels and decreased adipocyte size in NAFLD mice. Furthermore, the increase of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine levels can be observed in the NAFLD mice livers after Rubicon silencing, along with regulatory effects on metabolism-related genes such as CD36, Gpcpd1, Chka, and Lpin2. The results indicate that knockdown of Rubicon improves glycerophospholipid metabolism and thereby ameliorates the NAFLD progression, which provides a potential strategy for NAFLD therapy via the restoration of Rubicon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Bai
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of ImmunotherapeuticsFudan University School of PharmacyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yanyang Nan
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of ImmunotherapeuticsFudan University School of PharmacyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Tao Wu
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of ImmunotherapeuticsFudan University School of PharmacyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - An Zhu
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of ImmunotherapeuticsFudan University School of PharmacyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Xinlei Xie
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of ImmunotherapeuticsFudan University School of PharmacyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yun Sun
- Department of Research and DevelopmentShanghai Proton and Heavy Ion CenterFudan University Cancer HospitalShanghai201321P. R. China
| | - Yong Deng
- Department of Research and DevelopmentShanghai Proton and Heavy Ion CenterFudan University Cancer HospitalShanghai201321P. R. China
| | - Zihan Dou
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of ImmunotherapeuticsFudan University School of PharmacyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Xiaozhi Hu
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of ImmunotherapeuticsFudan University School of PharmacyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Rongrui Zhou
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of ImmunotherapeuticsFudan University School of PharmacyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Shuwen Xu
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of ImmunotherapeuticsFudan University School of PharmacyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yuanzhen Zhang
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of ImmunotherapeuticsFudan University School of PharmacyShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Jiajun Fan
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of ImmunotherapeuticsFudan University School of PharmacyShanghaiP. R. China
- Fudan Zhangjiang InstituteShanghai201203P. R. China
- Shanghai Hailu Biological Technology Co., Ltd.Shanghai201200P. R. China
| | - Dianwen Ju
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of ImmunotherapeuticsFudan University School of PharmacyShanghaiP. R. China
- Fudan Zhangjiang InstituteShanghai201203P. R. China
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