Target Reprogramming Lysosomes of CD8+ T Cells by a Mineralized Metal-Organic Framework for Cancer Immunotherapy

Metal-modulated T cell antitumor immunity and emerging metalloimmunotherapy

In recent years, increasing evidence has shown that metals play important roles in both innate and adaptive immunity. An emerging concept of metalloimmunotherapy has been proposed, which may accelerate the development of immunotherapy for cancers. Here, we discuss how metals affect T cell function through different signaling pathways. Metals impact the fate of T cells, including their activation, proliferation, cytotoxicity, and differentiation. Most importantly, metals also participate in mitochondrial operation by regulating energy production and reactive oxygen species homeostasis in T cells. We also identified the metal-based mutual effects between tumor cells and T cells in the tumor microenvironment. Overall, the antitumor effect of T cells can be improved by targeting metal metabolism and metalloimmunotherapy, which will be a step forward in the treatment of cancers.

P53 Gene Therapy with ZIF-8 Metal-Organic Framework: A Platform in Cancer Gene Therapy

Gene therapy holds great promise as a therapeutic approach for combating cancer, with the choice of gene delivery vector being a critical factor in its success. In recent years, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as valuable tools for intracellular plasmid delivery in this field. This study aimed to encapsulate plasmid DNA encoding the TP53 tumor suppressor gene (pEGFP-N1-TP53) within zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) MOFs and ZIF-8-PEI. Subsequently, the transfection efficiency and ability to induce cell death were assessed in MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and HeLa cancer cells. A comparative analysis was conducted to evaluate the induction of cell death by pEGFP-N1-TP53@ZIF-8-PEI, pEGFP-N1-TP53-ZIF-8 nanoparticles, and Lipofectamine in the aforementioned cell lines. Additionally, an optimal condition for loading the plasmid into ZIF-8 was proposed. The findings from cell transfection assays, MTT assay, and flow cytometry revealed that both pEGFP-N1-TP53@ZIF-8-PEI and pEGFP-N1-TP53-ZIF-8 effectively delivered the plasmid to the cells. Notably, pEGFP-N1-TP53@ZIF-8-PEI exhibited significant results, inducing 77% cell death in the HeLa cell line and 73% in the MDA-MB-231 cell line. Our observations indicated that MDA-MB-231 and HeLa cells exhibited heightened responsiveness to TP53 gene therapy when delivered through ZIF-8-PEI and ZIF-8. Based on these findings, further investigation of pEGFP-N1-TP53@ZIF-8-PEI as a potential cancer therapeutic platform in other cancer cell types is warranted.

Research progress of metal-CpG composite nanoadjuvants in tumor immunotherapy

The practical benefits and therapeutic potential of tumor vaccines in immunotherapy have drawn significant attention in the field of cancer treatment. Among the available vaccines, nanovaccines that utilize nanoparticles as carriers or adjuvants have demonstrated considerable effectiveness in combating cancer. Cytosine-phosphate-guanine oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG ODN), a common adjuvant in tumor nanovaccines, activates both humoral and cellular immunity by recognizing toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), thereby aiding in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Metal nanoparticles hold great promise in tumor immunotherapy due to their adjustable size, surface functionalization, ability to regulate innate immunity, and capacity for controlled delivery of antigens or immunomodulators. Consequently, composite nanoadjuvants, formed by combining metal nanoparticles with CpG ODNs, can be customized to meet the specific performance requirements of different application scenarios, effectively overcoming the limitations of conventional immunotherapy approaches. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the critical role of metal-CpG composite nanoadjuvants in advancing vaccine adjuvants for cancer therapy and prevention, highlighting their efficacy in preclinical settings.

Metal-organic framework-based smart stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems for cancer therapy: advances, challenges, and future perspectives

Cancer treatment is currently one of the most critical healthcare issues globally. A well-designed drug delivery system can precisely target tumor tissues, improve efficacy, and reduce damage to normal tissues. Stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems (SRDDSs) have shown promising application prospects. Intelligent nano drug delivery systems responsive to endogenous stimuli such as weak acidity, complex redox characteristics, hypoxia, active energy metabolism, as well as exogenous stimuli like high temperature, light, pressure, and magnetic fields are increasingly being applied in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, and various other anticancer approaches. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have become promising candidate materials for constructing SRDDSs due to their large surface area, tunable porosity and structure, ease of synthesis and modification, and good biocompatibility. This paper reviews the application of MOF-based SRDDSs in various modes of cancer therapy. It summarizes the key aspects, including the classification, synthesis, modifications, drug loading modes, stimuli-responsive mechanisms, and their roles in different cancer treatment modalities. Furthermore, we address the current challenges and summarize the potential applications of artificial intelligence in MOF synthesis. Finally, we propose strategies to enhance the efficacy and safety of MOF-based SRDDSs, ultimately aiming at facilitating their clinical translation.

Immunoadjuvant-functionalized metal-organic frameworks: synthesis and applications in tumor immune modulation

Cancer immunotherapy, which leverages the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, has made significant progress, particularly in the treatment of metastatic tumors. However, challenges such as drug stability and off-target effects still limit its clinical success. To address these issues, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising nanocarriers in cancer immunotherapy. MOFs have unique porous structure, excellent drug loading capacity, and tunable surface modification properties. MOFs not only enhance drug delivery efficiency but also allow for precise control of drug release. They reduce off-target effects and significantly improve targeting and therapy efficacy. As research deepens, MOFs' effectiveness as drug carriers has been refined. When combined with immunoadjuvants or anticancer drugs, MOFs further stimulate the immune response. This improves the specificity of immune attacks on tumors. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the applications of MOFs in cancer immunotherapy. It focuses on synthesis, drug loading strategies, and surface modifications. It also analyzes their role in enhancing immunotherapy effectiveness. By integrating current research, we aim to provide insights for the future development of immunoadjuvant-functionalized MOFs, accelerating their clinical application for safer and more effective cancer treatments.

Proton nanomodulators for enhanced Mn2+-mediated chemodynamic therapy of tumors via HCO3- regulation

BACKGROUND

Mn2+-mediated chemodynamic therapy (CDT) has been emerged as a promising cancer therapeutic modality that relies heavily on HCO3- level in the system. Although the physiological buffers (H2CO3/HCO3-) provide certain amounts of HCO3-, the acidity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) would seriously affect the HCO3- ionic equilibrium (H2CO3 ⇌ H+ + HCO3-). As a result, HCO3- level in the tumor region is actually insufficient to support effective Mn2+-mediated CDT.

RESULTS

In this study, a robust nanomodulator MnFe2O4@ZIF-8 (PrSMZ) with the capability of in situ self-regulation HCO3- is presented to enhance therapeutic efficacy of Mn2+-mediated CDT. Under an acidic tumor microenvironment, PrSMZ could act as a proton sponge to shift the HCO3- ionic equilibrium to the positive direction, significantly boosting the generation of the HCO3-. Most importantly, such HCO3- supply capacity of PrSMZ could be finely modulated by its ZIF-8 shell thickness, resulting in a 1000-fold increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Enhanced ROS-dependent CDT efficacy is further amplified by a glutathione (GSH)-depletion ability and the photothermal effect inherited from the inner core MnFe2O4 of PrSMZ to exert the remarkable antitumor effect on mouse models.

CONCLUSIONS

This work addresses the challenge of insufficient HCO3- in the TME for Mn2+-mediated Fenton catalysts and could provide a promising strategy for designing high-performance Mn2+-mediated CDT agents to treat cancer effectively.

Ca2+ homeostasis: a potential target for cancer therapies

Calcium ions (Ca2+) play a crucial role as secondary messengers in both excitable and non-excitable cells. A complex system of proteins and molecules involved in calcium handling allows Ca2+ signals to be transduced. In cancer cells, mutations, aberrant expression, and dysregulation of these calcium handling toolkit proteins disrupt the normal Ca2+ flux between extracellular space, cytosol, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, as well as the spatio-temporal patterns of Ca2+ signalling. This leads to the dysregulation of calcium-dependent effectors that control key signaling pathways involved in cancer cell proliferation, survival and invasion. Although there has been progressing in understanding the remodelling of calcium homeostasis in cancer cells and identifying key calcium transport molecules that promote malignant phenotypes, much work remains to be done to translate these fundamental findings into new tools for diagnosing and treating cancer by targeting Ca2+ homeostasis.

The role of cuproptosis in gastric cancer

As a biologically essential transition metal, copper is widely involved in various enzymatic reactions and crucial biological processes in the body. It plays an increasingly important role in maintaining normal cellular metabolism and supporting the growth and development of the human body. As a trace element, copper maintains the dynamic balance of its concentration in body fluids through active homeostatic mechanisms. Both excess and deficiency of copper ions can impair cell function, ultimately leading to cell damage and death. Cuproptosis is a novel form of cell death where copper ions cause cell death by directly binding to the lipoylated components of the citric acid cycle (CAC) in mitochondrial respiration and interfering with the levels of iron-sulfur cluster (Fe-S cluster) proteins, ultimately causing protein toxic stress. Its primary characteristics are Cu2+ concentration dependence and high expression in mitochondrial respiratory cells. Recent research has revealed that, compared to other forms of programmed cell death such as apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy, cuproptosis has unique morphological and biochemical features. Cuproptosis is associated with the occurrence and development of various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. This article focuses on a review of the relevance of cuproptosis in gastric cancer (GC).

Bioresponsive Immunotherapeutic Materials

The human immune system is an interaction network of biological processes, and its dysfunction is closely associated with a wide array of diseases, such as cancer, infectious diseases, tissue damage, and autoimmune diseases. Manipulation of the immune response network in a desired and controlled fashion has been regarded as a promising strategy for maximizing immunotherapeutic efficacy and minimizing side effects. Integration of "smart" bioresponsive materials with immunoactive agents including small molecules, biomacromolecules, and cells can achieve on-demand release of agents at targeted sites to reduce overdose-related toxicity and alleviate off-target effects. This review highlights the design principles of bioresponsive immunotherapeutic materials and discusses the critical roles of controlled release of immunoactive agents from bioresponsive materials in recruiting, housing, and manipulating immune cells for evoking desired immune responses. Challenges and future directions from the perspective of clinical translation are also discussed.

Targeted Reprogramming of Pathogenic Fibroblast Genes at the 3'-Untranslated Regions by DNA Nanorobots for Periodontitis

Periodontitis, with its persistent nature, causes significant distress for most sufferers. Current treatments, such as mechanical cleaning and surgery, often fail to fully address the underlying overactivation of fibroblasts that drives this degradation. Targeting the post-transcriptional regulation of fibroblasts, particularly at the 3'-untranslated regions (3'UTR) of pathogenic genes, offers a therapeutic strategy for periodontitis. Herein, we developed a DNA nanorobot for this purpose. This system uses a dynamic DNA nanoframework to incorporate therapeutic microRNAs through molecular recognition and covalent bonds, facilitated by DNA monomers modified with disulfide bonds. The assembled-DNA nanoframework is encapsulated in a cell membrane embedded with a fibroblast-targeting peptide. By analyzing the 3'UTR regions of pathogenic fibroblast genes FOSB and JUND, we identified the therapeutic microRNA as miR-1-3p and integrated it into this system. As expected, the DNA nanorobot delivered the internal components to fibroblasts by the targeting peptide and outer membrane that responsively releases miR-1-3p under intracellular glutathione. It resulted in a precise reduction of mRNA and suppression of protein function in pathogenic genes, effectively reprogramming fibroblast behavior. Our results confirm that this approach not only mitigates the inflammation but also promotes tissue regeneration in periodontal models, offering a promising therapeutic avenue for periodontitis.

Organelle-based immunotherapy strategies for fighting against cancer

Destruction of subcellular organelles can cause dysfunction and even death of cells to elicit immune responses. In this review, the characteristics and functions of important organelles are mainly summarized. Then, the intelligent immunotherapeutic strategies and suggestions based on influencing the organelles are further highlighted. This review will provide ideas for developing novel and effective immunotherapy strategies and advance the development of cancer immunotherapy.

Hyperpolarized 129Xe Atoms Sense the Presence of Drug Molecules in Nanohosts Revealed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Assessing the effectiveness of nanomedicines involves evaluating the drug content at the target site. Currently, most research focuses on monitoring the signal responses from loaded drugs, neglecting the changes caused by the nanohosts. Here, we propose a strategy to quantitatively evaluate the content of loaded drugs by detecting the signal variations resulting from the alterations in the microenvironment of the nanohosts. Specifically, hyperpolarized (HP) 129Xe atoms are employed as probes to sense the nanohosts' environment and generate a specific magnetic resonance (MR) signal that indicates their accessibility. The introduction of drugs reduces the available space in the nanohosts, leading to a crowded microenvironment that hinders the access of the 129Xe atoms. By employing 129Xe atoms as a signal source to detect the alterations in the microenvironment, we constructed a three-dimensional (3D) map that indicated the concentration of the nanohosts and established a linear relationship to quantitatively measure the drug content within the nanohosts based on the corresponding MR signals. Using the developed strategy, we successfully quantified the uptake of the nanohosts and drugs in living cells through HP 129Xe MR imaging. Overall, the proposed HP 129Xe atom-sensing approach can be used to monitor alterations in the microenvironment of nanohosts induced by loaded drugs and provides a new perspective for the quantitative evaluation of drug presence in various nanomedicines.

Advancements and Challenges in the Application of Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) Nanocomposites for Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment

Nanoscale metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer high biocompatibility, nanomaterial permeability, substantial specific surface area, and well-defined pores. These properties make MOFs valuable in biomedical applications, including biological targeting and drug delivery. They also play a critical role in tumor diagnosis and treatment, including tumor cell targeting, identification, imaging, and therapeutic methods such as drug delivery, photothermal effects, photodynamic therapy, and immunogenic cell death. The diversity of MOFs with different metal centers, organics, and surface modifications underscores their multifaceted contributions to tumor research and treatment. This review is a summary of these roles and mechanisms. The final section of this review summarizes the current state of the field and discusses prospects that may bring MOFs closer to pharmaceutical applications.

One Stone, Three Birds: Design and Synthesis of "All-in-One" Nanoscale Mn-Porphyrin Coordination Polymers for Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Synergistic Photodynamic-Sonodynamic Therapy

Multifunctional nanomaterials with potential applications in both bioimaging and photodynamic-sonodynamic therapy have great advantages in cancer theranostic, but the design and preparation of "all-in-one" type of multifunctional nanomaterials with single component remains challenging. Herein the "all-in-one" type of Mn-PpIX (Protoporphyrin IX) coordination polymers (MnPPs) was reported as efficient nano-photo/sonosensitizers. The MnPPs had an average size of ∼ 110 nm. Upon light/US (ultrasound) irradiation for 5 min, 61.8 % (light) and 32.4 % (US) of DPBF (1.3-diphenyl isobenzofuran) was found to be oxidized by MnPPs, which showed effective ROS (reactive oxygen species) generation for photodynamic/sonodynamic therapy (PDT/SDT). In addition, MnPPs revealed excellent biosafety and could be engulfed by cells to produce intracellular ROS under light/US excitation for efficient killing tumor cells. When MnPPs was injected into mice, the tumor could be monitored via MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). In addition, tumor growth could be significantly inhibited by the synergistic PDT-SDT. Therefore, the present study not only represents MnPPs as an "all-in-one" type of multifunctional nanomaterials for MRI-guided PDT-SDT therapy, but also provides some insights for designing other PpIX-related molecules with the similar structure for bioapplication.

CaCO3 nanoplatform for cancer treatment: drug delivery and combination therapy

The use of nanocarriers for drug delivery has opened up exciting new possibilities in cancer treatment. Among them, calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanocarriers have emerged as a promising platform due to their exceptional biocompatibility, biosafety, cost-effectiveness, wide availability, and pH-responsiveness. These nanocarriers can efficiently encapsulate a variety of small-molecule drugs, proteins, and nucleic acids, as well as co-encapsulate multiple drugs, providing targeted and sustained drug release with minimal side effects. However, the effectiveness of single-drug therapy using CaCO3 nanocarriers is limited by factors such as multidrug resistance, tumor metastasis, and recurrence. Combination therapy, which integrates multiple treatment modalities, offers a promising approach for tackling these challenges by enhancing efficacy, leveraging synergistic effects, optimizing therapy utilization, tailoring treatment approaches, reducing drug resistance, and minimizing side effects. CaCO3 nanocarriers can be employed for combination therapy by integrating drug therapy with photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, sonodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, radiofrequency ablation therapy, and imaging. This review provides an overview of recent advancements in CaCO3 nanocarriers for drug delivery and combination therapy in cancer treatment over the past five years. Furthermore, insightful perspectives on future research directions and development of CaCO3 nanoparticles as nanocarriers in cancer treatment are discussed.

Targeting the organelle for radiosensitization in cancer radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is a well-established cytotoxic therapy for local solid cancers, utilizing high-energy ionizing radiation to destroy cancer cells. However, this method has several limitations, including low radiation energy deposition, severe damage to surrounding normal cells, and high tumor resistance to radiation. Among various radiotherapy methods, boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) has emerged as a principal approach to improve the therapeutic ratio of malignancies and reduce lethality to surrounding normal tissue, but it remains deficient in terms of insufficient boron accumulation as well as short retention time, which limits the curative effect. Recently, a series of radiosensitizers that can selectively accumulate in specific organelles of cancer cells have been developed to precisely target radiotherapy, thereby reducing side effects of normal tissue damage, overcoming radioresistance, and improving radiosensitivity. In this review, we mainly focus on the field of nanomedicine-based cancer radiotherapy and discuss the organelle-targeted radiosensitizers, specifically including nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes. Furthermore, the organelle-targeted boron carriers used in BNCT are particularly presented. Through demonstrating recent developments in organelle-targeted radiosensitization, we hope to provide insight into the design of organelle-targeted radiosensitizers for clinical cancer treatment.

Modulation of Dendritic Cell Function via Nanoparticle-Induced Cytosolic Calcium Changes

Calcium nanoparticles have been investigated for applications, such as drug and gene delivery. Additionally, Ca2+ serves as a crucial second messenger in the activation of immune cells. However, few studies have systematically studied the effects of calcium nanoparticles on the calcium levels and functions within immune cells. In this study, we explore the potential of calcium nanoparticles as a vehicle to deliver calcium into the cytosol of dendritic cells (DCs) and influence their functions. We synthesized calcium hydroxide nanoparticles, coated them with a layer of silica to prevent rapid degradation, and further conjugated them with anti-CD205 antibodies to achieve targeted delivery to DCs. Our results indicate that these nanoparticles can efficiently enter DCs and release calcium ions in a controlled manner. This elevation in cytosolic calcium activates both the NFAT and NF-κB pathways, in turn promoting the expression of costimulatory molecules, antigen-presenting molecules, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. In mouse tumor models, the calcium nanoparticles enhanced the antitumor immune response and augmented the efficacy of both radiotherapy and chemotherapy without introducing additional toxicity. Our study introduces a safe nanoparticle immunomodulator with potential widespread applications in cancer therapy.

Biomedical application of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in cancer therapy: Stimuli-responsive and biomimetic nanocomposites in targeted delivery, phototherapy and diagnosis

The nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary field that has become a hot topic in cancer therapy. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous materials and hybrid composites consisted of organic linkers and metal cations. Despite the wide application of MOFs in other fields, the potential of MOFs for purpose of cancer therapy has been revealed by the recent studies. High surface area and porosity, significant drug loading and encapsulation efficiency are among the benefits of using MOFs in drug delivery. MOFs can deliver genes/drugs with selective targeting of tumor cells that can be achieved through functionalization with ligands. The photosensitizers and photo-responsive nanostructures including carbon dots and gold nanoparticles can be loaded in/on MOFs to cause phototherapy-mediated tumor ablation. The immunogenic cell death induction and increased infiltration of cytotoxic CD8+ and CD4+ T cells can be accelerated by MOF platforms in providing immunotherapy of tumor cells. The stimuli-responsive MOF platforms responsive to pH, redox, enzyme and ion can accelerate release of therapeutics in tumor site. Moreover, MOF nanocomposites can be modified ligands and green polymers to improve their selectivity and biocompatibility for cancer therapy. The application of MOFs for the detection of cancer-related biomarkers can participate in the early diagnosis of patients.

Recent Developments in CaCO3 Nano-Drug Delivery Systems: Advancing Biomedicine in Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3), a natural common inorganic material with good biocompatibility, low toxicity, pH sensitivity, and low cost, has a widespread use in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. In recent years, an increasing number of CaCO3-based nano-drug delivery systems have been developed. CaCO3 as a drug carrier and the utilization of CaCO3 as an efficient Ca2+ and CO2 donor have played a critical role in tumor diagnosis and treatment and have been explored in increasing depth and breadth. Starting from the CaCO3-based nano-drug delivery system, this paper systematically reviews the preparation of CaCO3 nanoparticles and the mechanisms of CaCO3-based therapeutic effects in the internal and external tumor environments and summarizes the latest advances in the application of CaCO3-based nano-drug delivery systems in tumor therapy. In view of the good biocompatibility and in vivo therapeutic mechanisms, they are expected to become an advancing biomedicine in the field of tumor diagnosis and treatment.

The significance of targeting lysosomes in cancer immunotherapy

Lysosomes are intracellular digestive organelles that participate in various physiological and pathological processes, including the regulation of immune checkpoint molecules, immune cell function in the tumor microenvironment, antigen presentation, metabolism, and autophagy. Abnormalities or dysfunction of lysosomes are associated with the occurrence, development, and drug resistance of tumors. Lysosomes play a crucial role and have potential applications in tumor immunotherapy. Targeting lysosomes or harnessing their properties is an effective strategy for tumor immunotherapy. However, the mechanisms and approaches related to lysosomes in tumor immunotherapy are not fully understood at present, and further basic and clinical research is needed to provide better treatment options for cancer patients. This review focuses on the research progress related to lysosomes and tumor immunotherapy in these.

Identification and validation of eight lysosomes-related genes signatures and correlation with immune cell infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death. Lysosomes are key degradative compartments that maintain protein homeostasis. In current study, we aimed to construct a lysosomes-related genes signature to predict the overall survival (OS) of patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Differentially expressed lysosomes-related genes (DELYs) were analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-LUAD cohort) database. The prognostic risk signature was identified by Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO)-penalized Cox proportional hazards regression and multivariate Cox analysis. The predictive performance of the signature was assessed by Kaplan-Meier curves and Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Gene set variant analysis (GSVA) was performed to explore the potential molecular biological function and signaling pathways. ESTIMATE and single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) were applied to estimate the difference of tumor microenvironment (TME) between the different risk subtypes. An eight prognostic genes (ACAP3, ATP8B3, BTK, CAV2, CDK5R1, GRIA1, PCSK9, and PLA2G3) signature was identified and divided patients into high-risk and low-risk groups. The prognostic signature was an independent prognostic factor for OS (HR > 1, p < 0.001). The molecular function analysis suggested that the signature was significantly correlated with cancer-associated pathways, including angiogenesis, epithelial mesenchymal transition, mTOR signaling, myc-targets. The low-risk patients had higher immune cell infiltration levels than high-risk group. We also evaluated the response to chemotherapeutic, targeted therapy and immunotherapy in high- and low-risk patients with LUAD. Furthermore, we validated the expression of the eight gene expression in LUAD tissues and cell lines by qRT-PCR. LYSscore signature provide a new modality for the accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment of LUAD and will help expand researchers' understanding of new prognostic models.

A Purposefully Designed pH/GSH-Responsive MnFe-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks as Cascade Nanoreactor for Enhanced Chemo-Chemodynamic-Starvation Synergistic Therapy

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising novel therapeutics for treating malignancies due to their tunable porosity, biocompatibility, and modularity to functionalize with various chemotherapeutics drugs. However, the design and synthesis of dual-stimuli responsive MOFs for controlled drug release in tumor microenvironments are vitally essential but still challenging. Meanwhile, the catalytic effect of metal ions selection and ratio optimization in MOFs for enhanced chemodynamic therapy (CDT) is relatively unexplored. Herein, a series of MnFe-based MOFs with pH/glutathione (GSH)-sensitivity are synthesized and then combined with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and cisplatin prodrugs (DSCP) as a cascade nanoreactor (SMnFeCGH) for chemo-chemodynamic-starvation synergistic therapy. H+ and GSH can specifically activate the optimal SMnFeCGH nanoparticles in cancer cells to release Mn2+/4+ /Fe2+/3+ , Au NPs, and DSCP rapidly. The optimal ratio of Mn/Fe shows excellent H2 O2 decomposition efficiency for accelerating CDT. Au NPs can cut off the energy supply to cancer cells for starvation therapy and strengthen CDT by providing large amounts of H2 O2 . Then H2 O2 is catalyzed by Mn2+ /Fe2+ to generate highly toxic •OH with the depletion of GSH. Meanwhile, the reduced DSCP accelerates cancer cell regression for chemotherapy. The ultrasensitivity cascade nanoreactor can enhance the anticancer therapeutic effect by combining chemotherapy, CDT, and starvation therapy.

Neuro-Inspired Biomimetic Microreactor for Sensory Recovery and Hair Follicle Neogenesis under Skin Burns

Deep burns are one of the most severe skin wounds, with typical symptoms being a contradiction between initial severe pain and a subsequent loss of sensation. Although it has long been known that sensory nerves promote skin regeneration and modulate skin function, no proven burn management strategies target sensory nerves. Here, a neuro-inspired biomimetic microreactor is designed based on the immune escape outer membrane of neuroblastoma cells and neural-associated intracellular proteins. The microreactor is constructed on a metal-organic framework (MOF) with a neuroblastoma membrane coating the surface and intracellular proteins loaded inside, called Neuro-MOF. It is loaded into a therapeutic hydrogel and triggers the release of its content proteins upon excitation by near-infrared light. The proteins compensate the skin microenvironment for permanent neurological damage after burns to initiate peripheral nerve regeneration and hair follicle niche formation. In addition, the neuroblastoma cell membrane is displayed on the surface of the Neuro-MOF microreactor, decreasing its immunogenicity and suppressing local inflammation. In a mouse model of deep skin burns, the Neuro-MOF microreactor exhibited significant functional skin regeneration effects, particularly sensory recovery and hair follicle neogenesis.

Mn2+ /Ir3+ -Doped and CaCO3 -Covered Prussian Blue Nanoparticles with Indocyanine Green Encapsulation for Tumor Microenvironment Modulation and Image-Guided Synergistic Cancer Therapy

The development of smart theranostic nanoplatforms has gained great interest in effective cancer treatment against the complex tumor microenvironment (TME), including weak acidity, hypoxia, and glutathione (GSH) overexpression. Herein, a TME-responsive nanoplatform named PMICApt /ICG, based on PB:Mn&Ir@CaCO3 Aptamer /ICG, is designed for the competent synergistic photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT) under the guidance of photothermal and magnetic resonance imaging. The nanoplatform's aptamer modification targeting the transferrin receptor and the epithelial cell adhesion molecule on breast cancer cells, and the acid degradable CaCO3 shell allow for effective tumor accumulation and TME-responsive payload release in situ. The nanoplatform also exhibits excellent PDT properties due to its ability to generate O2 and consume antioxidant GSH in tumors. Additionally, the synergistic therapy is achieved by a single wavelength of near-infrared laser. RNA sequencing is performed to identify differentially expressed genes, which show that the expressions of proliferation and migration-associated genes are inhibited, while the apoptosis and immune response gene expressions are upregulated after the synergistic treatments. This multifunctional nanoplatform that responds to the TME to realize the on-demand payload release and enhance PDT induced by TME modulation holds great promise for clinical applications in tumor therapy.

Recent Advances in Multifunctional Reticular Framework Nanoparticles: A Paradigm Shift in Materials Science Road to a Structured Future

Porous organic frameworks (POFs) have become a highly sought-after research domain that offers a promising avenue for developing cutting-edge nanostructured materials, both in their pristine state and when subjected to various chemical and structural modifications. Metal-organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, and hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks are examples of these emerging materials that have gained significant attention due to their unique properties, such as high crystallinity, intrinsic porosity, unique structural regularity, diverse functionality, design flexibility, and outstanding stability. This review provides an overview of the state-of-the-art research on base-stable POFs, emphasizing the distinct pros and cons of reticular framework nanoparticles compared to other types of nanocluster materials. Thereafter, the review highlights the unique opportunity to produce multifunctional tailoring nanoparticles to meet specific application requirements. It is recommended that this potential for creating customized nanoparticles should be the driving force behind future synthesis efforts to tap the full potential of this multifaceted material category.

Anti-phagocytosis-blocking repolarization-resistant membrane-fusogenic liposome (ARMFUL) for adoptive cell immunotherapy

Equipping multiple functionalities on adoptive effector cells is essential to overcome the complex immunological barriers in solid tumors for superior antitumor efficacy. However, current cell engineering technologies cannot endow these functionalities to cells within a single step because of the different spatial distributions of targets in one cell. Here, we present a core-shell anti-phagocytosis-blocking repolarization-resistant membrane-fusogenic liposome (ARMFUL) to achieve one-step multiplexing cell engineering for multifunctional cell construction. Through fusing with the M1 macrophage membrane, ARMFUL inserts an anti-CD47 (aCD47)-modified lipid shell onto the surface and simultaneously delivers colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor BLZ945-loaded core into the cytoplasm. The surface-presenting aCD47 boosts macrophage's phagocytosis against the tumor by blocking CD47. The cytoplasm-located BLZ945 prompts its polarization resistance to M2 phenotype in the immunosuppressive microenvironment via inactivating the intracellular M2 polarization signaling pathway. This ARMFUL provides a versatile cell engineering platform to customize multimodal cellular functions for enhanced adoptive cell therapy.

Advancement and Applications of Nanotherapy for Cancer Immune Microenvironment

Cancer treatment has evolved rapidly due to major advances in tumor immunity research. However, due to the complexity, heterogeneity, and immunosuppressive microenvironment of tumors, the overall efficacy of immunotherapy is only 20%. In recent years, nanoparticles have attracted more attention in the field of cancer immunotherapy because of their remarkable advantages in biocompatibility, precise targeting, and controlled drug delivery. However, the clinical application of nanomedicine also faces many problems concerning biological safety, and the synergistic mechanism of nano-drugs with immunity remains to be elucidated. Our study summarizes the functional characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of nanoparticles in the cancer immune microenvironment and how nanoparticles activate and long-term stimulate innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Finally, the current problems and future development trends regarding the application of nanoparticles are fully discussed and prospected to promote the transformation and application of nanomedicine used in cancer treatment.

Oxidation-Responsive PolyMOF Nanoparticles for Combination Photodynamic-Immunotherapy with Enhanced STING Activation

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) activation by STING agonists has been recognized as one of the potent and promising immunotherapy strategies. However, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment always hinders the therapeutic efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. In this report, we present polymeric metal-organic framework (PMOF) nanoparticles (NPs) for the combination of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and enhanced STING activation to improve the immunotherapeutic efficacy. The PMOF NPs with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) shells were obtained via coordination between the block copolymer ligand PEG-b-PABDA consisting of 1,4-bezenedicarboxylic acid-bearing polyacrylamide (PABDA), meso-tetra(carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (TCPP), thioketal diacetic acid, and zirconyl chloride. Subsequently, the STING agonist SR-717 was loaded into the porous structure of PMOF to obtain SR@PMOF NPs which show excellent stability under the physiological conditions. After intravenous injection and tumor accumulation, light irradiation on the tumor sites results in efficient singlet oxygen (¹O₂) production from TCPP and cellular apoptosis to release fragmented DNA and tumor-associated antigens. Simultaneously, thioketal bonds can be broken by ¹O₂ to destroy the PMOF structure and rapidly release SR717. SR-717 and PDT synergistically enhance the antitumor immunity via combination photodynamic-immunotherapy due to reversal of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and enhanced endogenous STING activation, which can suppress the growth of the primary and distant tumors efficiently. The oxidation-responsive SR@PMOF NPs represent a promising delivery system of STING agonists and efficient PDT NPs for simultaneous suppression of the primary and metastatic tumors via the rational combination of PDT and enhanced STING activation.

In Response to Precision Medicine: Current Subcellular Targeting Strategies for Cancer Therapy

Emerging as a potent anticancer treatment, subcellular targeted cancer therapy has drawn increasing attention, bringing great opportunities for clinical application. Here, two targeting strategies for four main subcellular organelles (mitochondria, lysosome, endoplasmic reticulum, and nucleus), including molecule- and nanomaterial (inorganic nanoparticles, micelles, organic polymers, and others)-based targeted delivery or therapeutic strategies, are summarized. Phototherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and "all-in-one" combination therapy are among the strategies covered in detail. Such materials are constructed based on the specific properties and relevant mechanisms of organelles, enabling the elimination of tumors by inducing dysfunction in the corresponding organelles or destroying specific structures. The challenges faced by organelle-targeting cancer therapies are also summarized. Looking forward, a paradigm for organelle-targeting therapy with enhanced therapeutic efficacy compared to current clinical approaches is envisioned.

Aptamer-Based Strategies to Boost Immunotherapy in TNBC

The immune system (IS) may play a crucial role in preventing tumor development and progression, leading, over the last years, to the development of effective cancer immunotherapies. Nevertheless, immune evasion, the capability of tumors to circumvent destructive host immunity, remains one of the main obstacles to overcome for maximizing treatment success. In this context, promising strategies aimed at reshaping the tumor immune microenvironment and promoting antitumor immunity are rapidly emerging. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive breast cancer subtype with poor outcomes, is highly immunogenic, suggesting immunotherapy is a viable strategy. As evidence of this, already, two immunotherapies have recently become the standard of care for patients with PD-L1 expressing tumors, which, however, represent a low percentage of patients, making more active immunotherapeutic approaches necessary. Aptamers are short, highly structured, single-stranded oligonucleotides that bind to their protein targets at high affinity and specificity. They are used for therapeutic purposes in the same way as monoclonal antibodies; thus, various aptamer-based strategies are being actively explored to stimulate the IS’s response against cancer cells. The aim of this review is to discuss the potential of the recently reported aptamer-based approaches to boost the IS to fight TNBC.

Hybrid Nanomaterials for Cancer Immunotherapy

Nano-immunotherapy has been recognized as a highly promising strategy for cancer treatment in recent decades, which combines nanotechnology and immunotherapy to combat against tumors. Hybrid nanomaterials consisting of at least two constituents with distinct compositions and properties, usually organic and inorganic, have been engineered with integrated functions and enormous potential in boosting cancer immunotherapy. This review provides a summary of hybrid nanomaterials reported for cancer immunotherapy, including nanoscale metal-organic frameworks, metal-phenolic networks, mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles, metallofullerene nanomaterials, polymer-lipid, and biomacromolecule-based hybrid nanomaterials. The combination of immunotherapy with chemotherapy, chemodynamic therapy, radiotherapy, radiodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, and sonodynamic therapy based on hybrid nanomaterials is also discussed. Finally, the current challenges and the prospects for designing hybrid nanomaterials and their application in cancer immunotherapy are outlined.

A Zinc- and Calcium-Rich Lysosomal Nanoreactor Rescues Monocyte/Macrophage Dysfunction under Sepsis

Sepsis is a dysregulation of the immune response to pathogens and has high morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, the unclear mapping and course of dysregulated immune cells currently hinders the development of advanced therapeutic strategies to treat sepsis. Here, evidence is provided using single-cell RNA sequencing from peripheral blood mononuclear cells in sepsis that pathogens attacking monocytes/macrophages disrupt their immune function. The results reveal an enormous decline in monocytes/macrophages in sepsis and chart the evolution of their impaired phagocytosis (Pha) capabilities. Inspired by these findings, nanoparticles, named "Alpha-MOFs," are developed that target dysfunctional monocytes/macrophages to actively (A) lift (L) Pha by the release of lysosome-sensitive ions from a mineralized metal-organic framework (MOF). Alpha-MOFs have good stability and biosafety in peripheral blood and efficiently targeted monocytes/macrophages. They also release calcium and zinc ions into monocyte/macrophage lysosomes to promote the Pha and degradation of bacteria. Taken together, these results suggest that Alpha-MOFs rescue monocytes/macrophages dysfunction and effectively improve their survival rate during sepsis.

Metal ions and nanometallic materials in antitumor immunity: Function, application, and perspective

The slightest change in the extra/intracellular concentration of metal ions results in amplified effects by signaling cascades that regulate both cell fate within the tumor microenvironment and immune status, which influences the network of antitumor immunity through various pathways. Based on the fact that metal ions influence the fate of cancer cells and participate in both innate and adaptive immunity, they are widely applied in antitumor therapy as immune modulators. Moreover, nanomedicine possesses the advantage of precise delivery and responsive release, which can perfectly remedy the drawbacks of metal ions, such as low target selectivity and systematic toxicity, thus providing an ideal platform for metal ion application in cancer treatment. Emerging evidence has shown that immunotherapy applied with nanometallic materials may significantly enhance therapeutic efficacy. Here, we focus on the physiopathology of metal ions in tumorigenesis and discuss several breakthroughs regarding the use of nanometallic materials in antitumor immunotherapeutics. These findings demonstrate the prominence of metal ion-based nanomedicine in cancer therapy and prophylaxis, providing many new ideas for basic immunity research and clinical application. Consequently, we provide innovative insights into the comprehensive understanding of the application of metal ions combined with nanomedicine in cancer immunotherapy in the past few years.

Nanoengineered sonosensitive platelets for synergistically augmented sonodynamic tumor therapy by glutamine deprivation and cascading thrombosis

Ultrasound (US)-activated sonodynamic therapy (SDT) stands for a distinct antitumor modality because of its attractive characteristics including intriguing noninvasiveness, desirable safety, and high tissue penetration depth, which, unfortunately, suffers from compromised therapeutic efficacy due to cancer cell-inherent adaptive mechanisms, such as glutathione (GSH) neutralization response to reactive oxygen species (ROS), and glutamine addictive properties of tumors. In this work, we developed a biological sonosensitive platelet (PLT) pharmacytes for favoring US/GSH-responsive combinational therapeutic of glutamine deprivation and augmented SDT. The amino acid transporter SLC6A14 blockade agent α-methyl-_DL-tryptophan (α-MT)-loaded and MnO₂-coated porphyrinic metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles were encapsulated in the PLTs through the physical adsorption of electrostatic attraction and the intrinsic endocytosis of PLTs. When the sonosensitive PLT pharmacytes reached tumor sites through their natural tendencies to TME, US stimulated the PLTs-loaded porphyrinic MOF to generate ROS, resulting in morphological changes of the PLTs and the release of nanoparticles. Subsequently, intracellular high concentration of GSH and extracellular spatio-temporal controlled US irradiation programmatically triggered the release of α-MT, which enabled the synergistically amplified SDT by inducing amino acid starvation, inhibiting mTOR, and mediating ferroptosis. In addition, US stimulation achieved the targeted activation of PLTs at tumor vascular site, which evolved from circulating PLTs to dendritic PLTs, effectively blocking the blood supply of tumors through thrombus formation, and revealing the encouraging potential to facilitate tumor therapeutics.

Microfluidic Synthesis of the Tumor Microenvironment-Responsive Nanosystem for Type-I Photodynamic Therapy

Type I photosensitizers with aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIE-gens) have the ability to generate high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which have a good application prospect in cancer photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, the encapsulation and delivery of AIE molecules are unsatisfactory and seriously affect the efficiency of a practical therapy. Faced with this issue, we synthesized the metal-organic framework (MOF) in one step using the microfluidic integration technology and encapsulated TBP-2 (an AIE molecule) into the MOF to obtain the composite nanomaterial ZT. Material characterization showed that the prepared ZT had stable physical and chemical properties and controllable size and morphology. After being endocytosed by tumor cells, ZT was degraded in response to the acidic tumor microenvironment (TME), and then TBP-2 molecules were released. After stimulation by low-power white light, a large amount of •OH and H₂O₂ was generated by TBP-2 through type I PDT, thereby achieving a tumor-killing effect. Further in vitro cell experiments showed good biocompatibility of the prepared ZT. To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first on the microfluidic synthesis of multifunctional MOF for type I PDT in response to the TME. Overall, the preparation of ZT by the microfluidic synthesis method provides new insight into cancer therapy.

Cyclodextrin metal-organic framework-based protein biocomposites

Materials are needed to increase the stability and half-life of therapeutic proteins during delivery. These materials should be biocompatible and biodegradable. Here, we demonstrate that enzymes and immunoproteins can be encapsulated inside cyclodextrin based metal-organic frameworks using potassium as the metal node. The release profile can be controlled with the solubility of the cyclodextrin linker. The activity of the proteins after release is determined using catalytic and in vitro assays. The results show that cyclodextrin metal-organic framework-based protein biocomposites are a promising class of materials to deliver therapeutic proteins.

Immunomodulatory-Photodynamic Nanostimulators for Invoking Pyroptosis to Augment Tumor Immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy is restricted to immune resistance caused by immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Pyroptosis involved in antitumor immunotherapy as a new schedule is prospective to reverse immunosuppression. Herein, acidic tumor microenvironment (TME)-evoked MRC nanoparticles (MRC NPs) co-delivering immune agonist RGX-104 and photosensitizer chlorine e6 (Ce6) are reported for pyroptosis-mediated immunotherapy. RGX-104 remodels TME by transcriptional activation of ApoE to regress myeloid-derived suppressor cells' (MDSCs) activity, which neatly creates foreshadowing for intensifying pyroptosis. Considering Ce6-triggered photodynamic therapy (PDT) can strengthen oxidative stress and organelles destruction to increase immunogenicity, immunomodulatory-photodynamic MRC nanodrugs will implement an aforementioned two-pronged strategy to enhance gasdermin E (GSDME)-dependent pyroptosis. RNA-seq analysis of MRC at the cellular level is introduced to first elucidate the intimate relationship between RGX-104 acting on LXR/ApoE axis and pyroptosis, where RGX-104 provides the prerequisite for pyroptosis participating in antitumor therapy. Briefly, MRC with favorable biocompatibility tackles the obstacle of hydrophobic drugs delivery, and becomes a powerful pyroptosis inducer to reinforce immune efficacy. MRC-elicited pyroptosis in combination with anti-PD-1 blockade therapy boosts immune response in solid tumors, successfully arresting invasive metastasis and extending survival based on remarkable antitumor immunity. MRC may initiate a new window for immuno-photo pyroptosis stimulators augmenting pyroptosis-based immunotherapy.

Engineering a Series of Isoreticular Pillared Layer Ultramicroporous MOFs for Gas and Vapor Uptake

The accurate design and systematic engineering of MOFs is a large challenge due to the randomness of the synthesis process. Isoreticular chemistry provides a powerful approach for the regulation of pore environment in a more predictable and precise way to systematically control gas/vapor adsorption performances. Herein, utilizing an effective strategy of altering the "pillared" motifs of pillared layer structures, three isoreticular ultramicroporous MOFs were successfully constructed. Combined with the reported parent MOFs and two other recorded isoreticular MOFs modified with -NH₂ and -CH₃, gas and vapor uptake performances of this family of isoreticular pillared layer MOFs were systematically explored.

A pH-Responsive Cluster Metal-Organic Framework Nanoparticle for Enhanced Tumor Accumulation and Antitumor Effect

As a result of the deficient tumor-specific antigens, potential off-target effect, and influence of protein corona, metal-organic framework nanoparticles have inadequate accumulation in tumor tissues, limiting their therapeutic effects. In this work, a pH-responsive linker (L) is prepared by covalently modifying oleylamine (OA) with 3-(bromomethyl)-4-methyl-2,5-furandione (MMfu) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Then, the L is embedded into a solid lipid nanoshell to coat apilimod (Ap)-loaded zeolitic imidazolate framework (Ap-ZIF) to form Ap-ZIF@SLN#L. Under the tumor microenvironment, the hydrophilic PEG and MMfu are removed, exposing the hydrophobic OA on Ap-ZIF@SLN#L, increasing their uptake in cancer cells and accumulation in the tumor. The ZIF@SLN#L nanoparticle induces reactive oxygen species (ROS). Ap released from Ap-ZIF@SLN#L significantly promotes intracellular ROS and lactate dehydrogenase generation. Ap-ZIF@SLN#L inhibits tumor growth, increases the survival rate in mice, activates the tumor microenvironment, and improves the infiltration of macrophages and T cells in the tumor, as demonstrated in two different tumor-bearing mice after injections with Ap-ZIF@SLN#TL. Furthermore, mice show normal tissue structure of the main organs and the normal serum level in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase after treatment with the nanoparticles. Overall, this pH-responsive targeting strategy improves nanoparticle accumulation in tumors with enhanced therapeutic effects.

Delivery of miRNAs through Metal-Organic Framework Nanoparticles for Assisting Neural Stem Cell Therapy for Ischemic Stroke

Stroke is the most common cause of disability globally. Neural stem cell (NSC) therapy, which can replace lost and damaged neurons, has been proposed as a potential treatment for stroke. The therapeutic efficacy of NSC therapy is hindered by the fact that only a small number of NSCs undergo neuronal differentiation. Neuron-specific miR-124, which promotes the differentiation of NSCs into mature neurons, can be combined with NSC therapy to cure ischemic stroke. However, the instability and poor internalization of miR-124 seriously hamper its broad clinical application. Herein, an innovative strategy involving delivery of miR-124 via a Ca-MOF@miR-124 nanodelivery system, which effectively prevents the degradation of miR-124 by nucleases and promotes the internalization of miR-124 by NSCs, is presented. The effect of accelerated neuronal directed differentiation of NSCs was assessed through in vitro cell experiments, and the clinical application potential of this nanodelivery system for the treatment of ischemic stroke was assessed through in vivo experiments involving the combination of NSC therapy and Ca-MOF@miR-124 nanoparticles. The results indicate that Ca-MOF@miR-124 nanoparticles can promote the differentiation of NSCs into mature neurons with electrophysiological function within 5 days. The differentiation rate of cells treated with Ca-MOF@miR-124 nanoparticles was at least 5 days faster than that of untreated cells. Moreover, Ca-MOF@miR-124 nanoparticles decreased the ischemic area to almost normal levels by day 7. The combination of Ca-MOF@miR-124 nanoparticles and NSC therapy will enhance the treatment of traumatic nerve injury and neurodegenerative diseases.

The uptake of metal-organic frameworks: a journey into the cell

The application of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in drug delivery has advanced rapidly over the past decade, showing huge progress in the development of novel systems. Although a large number of versatile MOFs that can carry and release multiple compounds have been designed and tested, one of the main limitations to their translation to the clinic is the limited biological understanding of their interaction with cells and the way they penetrate them. This is a crucial aspect of drug delivery, as MOFs need to be able not only to enter into cells but also to release their cargo in the correct intracellular location. While small molecules can enter cells by passive diffusion, nanoparticles (NPs) usually require an energy-dependent process known as endocytosis. Importantly, the fate of NPs after being taken up by cells is dependent on the endocytic pathways they enter through. However, no general guidelines for MOF particle internalization have been established due to the inherent complexity of endocytosis as a mechanism, with several factors affecting cellular uptake, namely NP size and surface chemistry. In this review, we cover recent advances regarding the understanding of the mechanisms of uptake of nano-sized MOFs (nanoMOFs)s, their journey inside the cell, and the importance of biological context in their final fate. We examine critically the impact of MOF physicochemical properties on intracellular trafficking and successful cargo delivery. Finally, we highlight key unanswered questions on the topic and discuss the future of the field and the next steps for nanoMOFs as drug delivery systems.

Silver nanoclusters show advantages in macrophage tracing in vivo and modulation of anti-tumor immuno-microenvironment

Macrophage-based nanomedicine represents an emerging powerful strategy for cancer therapy. Unfortunately, some obstacles and challenges limit the translational applications of macrophage-mediated nanodrug delivery system. For instance, tracking and effective cell delivery for targeted tumor sites remain to be overcome, and controlling the states of macrophages is still rather difficult due to their plastic nature in response to external stimuli. To address these critical issues, here, we reported a novel type of silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) with excellent fluorescent intensity, especially long-lasting cell labeling stability after endocytosis by macrophages, indicating promising applications in tracking macrophage-based nanomedicine delivery. Our mechanistic investigations uncovered that these merits originate from the escape of AgNCs from lysosomal degradation within macrophages. In addition, the AgNCs would prime the M1-like polarization of macrophages (at least in part) through the toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway. The engineered macrophages laden with AgNCs could be employed for lung metastasis breast cancer treatment, showing the effective targeting propensity to metastatic tumors, remarkable regulation of tumor immune microenvironment and inhibition of tumor growth. Collectively, AgNC-trained macrophages appear to be a promising strategy for tumor immune-microenvironment regulation, which might be generalized to a wider spectrum of cancer therapeutics.

Therapeutic advantage of targeting lysosomal membrane integrity supported by lysophagy in malignant glioma

Lysosomes function as the digestive system of a cell and are involved in macromolecular recycling, vesicle trafficking, metabolic reprogramming, and progrowth signaling. Although quality control of lysosome biogenesis is thought to be a potential target for cancer therapy, practical strategies have not been established. Here, we show that lysosomal membrane integrity supported by lysophagy, a selective autophagy for damaged lysosomes, is a promising therapeutic target for glioblastoma (GBM). In this study, we found that ifenprodil, an FDA‐approved drug with neuromodulatory activities, efficiently inhibited spheroid formation of patient‐derived GBM cells in a combination with autophagy inhibition. Ifenprodil increased intracellular Ca²⁺ level, resulting in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species–mediated cytotoxicity. The ifenprodil‐induced Ca²⁺ elevation was due to Ca²⁺ release from lysosomes, but not endoplasmic reticulum, associated with galectin‐3 punctation as an indicator of lysosomal membrane damage. As the Ca²⁺ release was enhanced by ATG5 deficiency, autophagy protected against lysosomal membrane damage. By comparative analysis of 765 FDA‐approved compounds, we identified another clinically available drug for central nervous system (CNS) diseases, amoxapine, in addition to ifenprodil. Both compounds promoted degradation of lysosomal membrane proteins, indicating a critical role of lysophagy in quality control of lysosomal membrane integrity. Importantly, a synergistic inhibitory effect of ifenprodil and chloroquine, a clinically available autophagy inhibitor, on spheroid formation was remarkable in GBM cells, but not in nontransformed neural progenitor cells. Finally, chloroquine dramatically enhanced effects of the compounds inducing lysosomal membrane damage in a patient‐derived xenograft model. These data demonstrate a therapeutic advantage of targeting lysosomal membrane integrity in GBM.

Nanotechnology for Enhanced Cytoplasmic and Organelle Delivery of Bioactive Molecules to Immune Cells

Immune cells stand as a critical component of the immune system to maintain the internal environment homeostasis. The dysfunction of immune cells can result in various life-threatening diseases, including refractory infection, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Therefore, strategies to standardize or even enhance the function of immune cells are critical. Recently, nanotechnology has been highly researched and extensively applied for enhancing the cytoplasmic delivery of bioactive molecules to immune cells, providing efficient approaches to correct in vivo and in vitro dysfunction of immune cells. This review focuses on the technologies and challenges involved in improving endo-lysosomal escape, cytoplasmic release and organelle targeted delivery of different bioactive molecules in immune cells. Furthermore, it will elaborate on the broader vision of applying nanotechnology for treating immune cell-related diseases and constructing immune therapies and cytopharmaceuticals as potential treatments for diseases.