Activation of autophagy by in situ Zn2+ chelation reaction for enhanced tumor chemoimmunotherapy

Bimetallic Ca/Zn Nanoagonist Remould the Immunosuppressive Hepatocellular Carcinoma Microenvironment Following Incomplete Microwave Ablation via Pyroptosis and the STING Signaling Pathway

During the treatment of solid tumors, local therapeutic approaches carry the risk of incomplete radical cure, which may lead to rapid tumor growth. Incomplete microwave ablation (iMWA) can induce tumors to exhibit highly invasive and uncontrollable growth, which is related to the immunosuppressive microenvironment. A multifunctional bimetallic Ca/Zn nanoagonist (PZH/Zn@CaNA) with a biomimetic liposome-modified surface to tumor tissues after iMWA is developed. In response to the acidic tumor microenvironment, the released traditional Chinese medicine preparation Pien Tze Huang (PZH) reduced protein expressions of the JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway, thereby slowing down the proliferation and growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Furthermore, the bimetallic ions Ca2⁺ and Zn2⁺ can cascade to enhance the killing effect of oxidative stress, generating substantial amounts of reactive oxygen species. This process induces pyroptosis and releases significant quantities of damage associated molecular patterns, thereby triggering immune activation mechanisms related to the STING pathway that reshape the immunosuppressive HCC microenvironment resulting from iMWA. This strategy markedly differs from previous chemoimmunotherapies, which not only effectively addressed the problem of conventional drugs showing heterogeneous distribution in tumor regions, but also verified the critical role played by PZH/Zn@CaNA in inhibiting iMWA-induced rapid tumor growth, regulating oxidative stress and remodeling the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.

Nanomaterial-Based Autophagy Modulation: Multiple Weapons to Inflame Immune Systems and the Tumor Microenvironment

Autophagy, a fundamental cellular process, is a sensitive indicator of environmental shifts and is crucial for the clearance of cellular debris, the remodeling of cellular architecture, and the facilitation of cell growth and development. The interplay between stromal, tumor, and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment is intricately linked to autophagy. Therefore, the modulation of autophagy in these cell types is essential for developing effective cancer treatment strategies. This review describes the design and optimization of nanomaterials that modulate autophagy in tumor-associated and immune cells. This review elucidates the primary mechanisms by which nanomaterials induce autophagy and discusses their application in cancer therapy, underscoring the potential of these materials to eradicate cancer cells, bolster the immune response, and elicit robust, enduring antitumor immunity, thereby advancing the frontiers of oncological treatment.

Bacteria-tumor symbiosis destructible novel nanocatalysis drug delivery systems for effective tumor therapy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant threat to human health. The dynamic equilibrium between probiotics and pathogenic bacteria within the gut microbiota is crucial in mitigating the risk of CRC. An overgrowth of harmful microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract can result in an excessive accumulation of bacterial toxins and carcinogenic metabolites, thereby disrupting the delicate balance of the microbiota. This disruption may lead to alterations in microbial composition, impairment of mucosal barrier function, potential promotion of abnormal cell proliferation, and ultimately contribute to the progression of CRC. Recently, research has indicated that intestinal presence of Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) significantly influences the onset, progression, and metastasis of CRC. Consequently, disrupting the interaction between CRC cells and Fn presents a promising strategy against CRC. Nanomaterials have been extensively utilized in cancer therapy and bacterial infection control, demonstrating substantial potential in treating bacteria-associated tumors. This review begins by elucidating the mechanisms of gut microbiota and the occurrence and progression of CRC, with a particular emphasis on clarifying the intricate relationship between Fn and CRC. Subsequently, we highlight strategies that utilize nanomaterials to disrupt the association between Fn and CRC. Overall, this review offers valuable insight and guidance for leveraging nanomaterials in CRC therapy.

Biometallic ions and derivatives: a new direction for cancer immunotherapy

Biometallic ions play a crucial role in regulating the immune system. In recent years, cancer immunotherapy has become a breakthrough in cancer treatment, achieving good efficacy in a wide range of cancers with its specificity and durability advantages. However, existing therapies still face challenges, such as immune tolerance and immune escape. Biometallic ions (e.g. zinc, copper, magnesium, manganese, etc.) can assist in enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapy through the activation of immune cells, enhancement of tumor antigen presentation, and improvement of the tumor microenvironment. In addition, biometallic ions and derivatives can directly inhibit tumor cell progression and offer the possibility of effectively overcoming the limitations of current cancer immunotherapy by promoting immune responses and reducing immunosuppressive signals. This review explores the role and potential application prospects of biometallic ions in cancer immunotherapy, providing new ideas for future clinical application of metal ions as part of cancer immunotherapy and helping to guide the development of more effective and safe therapeutic regimens.

Metal nanoparticle hybrid hydrogels: the state-of-the-art of combining hard and soft materials to promote wound healing

Wounds represent a grave affliction that profoundly impacts human well-being. Establishing barriers, preventing infections, and providing a conducive microenvironment constitute the crux of wound therapy. Hydrogel, a polymer with an intricate three-dimensional lattice, serves as a potent tool in erecting physical barriers and nurturing an environment conducive to wound healing. This enables effective control over exudation, hemostasis, accelerated wound closure, and diminished scar formation. As a result, hydrogels have gained extensive traction in the realm of wound treatment. Metallic nanoparticle carriers, characterized by their multifaceted responses encompassing acoustics, optics, and electronics, have demonstrated efficacy in wound management. Nevertheless, these carriers encounter challenges associated with swift clearance and nonuniform effectiveness. The hybridization of metallic nanoparticle carriers with hydrogels overcomes the shortcomings inherent in metallic nanoparticle-based wound therapy. This amalgamation not only addresses the limitations but also augments the mechanical robustness of hydrogels. It confers upon them attributes such as environmental responsiveness and multifunctionality, thereby synergizing strengths and compensating for weaknesses. This integration culminates in the precise and intelligent management of wounds. This review encapsulates the structural classifications, design strategies, therapeutic applications, and underlying mechanisms of metal nanoparticle hybrid hydrogels in the context of acute and chronic wound treatment. The discourse delves into the generation of novel or enhanced attributes arising from hybridization and how the current paradigm of wound therapy leverages these attributes. Amidst this continually evolving frontier, the potential of metal nanoparticle hybrid hydrogels to revolutionize wound treatment is underscored.

Au Nanorods Activated the Zn/Ce Composites with Cancer Cell Specific Cytotoxicity for Enhanced Chemodynamic Therapy

Chemodynamic therapy based on the Fenton reaction has been developed as an extremely promising modality for cancer therapeutics. In this study, a core-shell structure nanoplatform was constructed by a Au nanorod externally encapsulating Ce/Zn-based composites (ACZO). The nanoparticles can catalyze the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under acidic conditions and effectively consume existing glutathione (GSH) to destroy the redox balance within the tumor. Moreover, the decomposition of the nanocomplexes under acidic conditions releases large amounts of zinc ions, leading to zinc overload in cancer cells. The photothermal effect generated by the Au nanorods not only provides photothermal therapy (PTT) but also augments the catalytic reaction and ions action mentioned above. This facile strategy to improve the efficacy of chemodynamic therapy by the photothermal enhancement of catalytic activity and zinc ion release provides a promising perspective for potential tumor treatment.