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Li D, Wen G, Wang H, Ren Q, Wang D, Dao A, Huang H, Zhang P. Photoredox-Mediated Immunotherapy Utilizing Rhenium(I) Photocatalysts with Electron Donor-Acceptor-Donor Configuration. J Med Chem 2025; 68:3749-3763. [PMID: 39854246 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c02836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2025]
Abstract
The hypoxic environment of solid tumors significantly diminishes the therapeutic efficacy of oxygen-dependent photodynamic therapy. Developing efficient photosensitizers that operate via photoredox catalysis presents a promising strategy to overcome this challenge. Herein, we report the rational design of two rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes (Re-TPO and Re-TP) with electron donor-acceptor-donor configuration. Notably, Re-TP exhibits aggregation-induced emission properties and enhanced spin-orbit coupling compared to Re-TPO, thus exhibiting promoted photosensitizing capability. In addition to generating type I and II reactive oxygen species, the excited Re-TP facilitates the photocatalytic oxidation of NADH to NAD+ and the photoreduction of pyruvic acid to lactic acid. This metabolic intervention triggers PD-L1-linked immune responses and disrupts tumor redox balance, leading to ferroptosis and immunogenic cell death. The combined ferroptosis and immunotherapy effects significantly suppress both primary and distant B16 tumors. This investigation provides a compelling model for designing efficient metal-based PSs for photoredox-mediated photoimmunotherapy against hypoxic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Guoqing Wen
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Haobing Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Qingyan Ren
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Deliang Wang
- Department of Materials Chemistry, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, China
| | - Anyi Dao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Huaiyi Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Pingyu Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
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2
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Tao R, Li Y, Gong S, Zhang Q, Zhu Z. Unveiling intricating roles and mechanisms of ferroptosis in melanoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2025; 1880:189234. [PMID: 39644939 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 11/29/2024] [Accepted: 12/01/2024] [Indexed: 12/09/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma is a highly invasive malignant tumor originating from melanocytes, with increasing incidence in recent years. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent and non-apoptotic form of programmed cell death characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides and reactive oxygen species. Morphologically, ferroptosis exhibits the alteration in cells, such as reduced mitochondrial volume, increased density of bilayer membrane, and a decrease or disappearance of mitochondrial cristae. Ferroptosis has shown tremendous potential and applicability in regulating the development of melanoma. As melanoma progresses, certain biomarkers associated with ferroptosis display characteristic patterns of expression. These changes not only reveal the sensitivity of tumor cells to ferroptosis but also provide potential targets for diagnosis and treatment. Besides, inducing ferroptosis has been well-documented to inhibit the growth of melanoma and enhance the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy. Hence, this review emphasizes the roles and regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis in melanoma development, the involved immune regulation, as well as the potential for diagnosis and treatment of melanoma. The continuous explorations will endow novel strategies for developing ferroptosis-based therapies for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Tao
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yichuan Li
- Department of Dermatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Song Gong
- Division of Endocrinology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China; Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science & Technology, Xianning 437000, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Zhanyong Zhu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China.
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Mao Z, Hu Y, Zhao Y, Zhang X, Guo L, Wang X, Zhang J, Miao M. The Mutual Regulatory Role of Ferroptosis and Immunotherapy in Anti-tumor Therapy. Apoptosis 2024; 29:1291-1308. [PMID: 38853203 PMCID: PMC11416416 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-024-01988-9] [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] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a form of cell death that is triggered by the presence of ferrous ions and is characterized by lipid peroxidation induced by these ions. The mechanism exhibits distinct morphological characteristics compared to apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis. A notable aspect of ferroptosis is its ability to inhibit uncontrolled tumor replication and immortalization, especially in malignant, drug-resistant, and metastatic tumors. Additionally, immunotherapy, a novel therapeutic approach for tumors, has been found to have a reciprocal regulatory relationship with ferroptosis in the context of anti-tumor therapy. A comprehensive analysis of ferroptosis and immunotherapy in tumor therapy is presented in this paper, highlighting the potential for mutual adjuvant effects. Specifically, we discuss the mechanisms underlying ferroptosis and immunotherapy, emphasizing their ability to improve the tumor immune microenvironment and enhance immunotherapeutic effects. Furthermore, we investigate how immunotherapeutic factors may increase the sensitivity of tumor cells to ferroptosis. We aim to provide a prospective view of the promising value of combined ferroptosis and immunotherapy in anticancer therapy by elucidating the mutual regulatory network between each.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiguo Mao
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhengdong New District, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No. 156 Jinshui East Road, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development, Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao in Henan Province, Henan, China
| | - Yilong Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhengdong New District, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No. 156 Jinshui East Road, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development, Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao in Henan Province, Henan, China
| | - Yinan Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhengdong New District, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No. 156 Jinshui East Road, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development, Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao in Henan Province, Henan, China
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhengdong New District, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No. 156 Jinshui East Road, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development, Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao in Henan Province, Henan, China
| | - Lin Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhengdong New District, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No. 156 Jinshui East Road, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development, Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao in Henan Province, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoran Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhengdong New District, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No. 156 Jinshui East Road, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development, Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao in Henan Province, Henan, China
| | - Jinying Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhengdong New District, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No. 156 Jinshui East Road, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development, Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao in Henan Province, Henan, China
| | - Mingsan Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhengdong New District, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No. 156 Jinshui East Road, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development, Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao in Henan Province, Henan, China.
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Volety P, Shirley CA, Chhabra G, Ahmad N. The fusion of light and immunity: Advancements in photoimmunotherapy for melanoma. Photochem Photobiol 2024; 100:910-922. [PMID: 38623955 DOI: 10.1111/php.13951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with high mortality and recurrence rates. Despite the clinical success of recent immunotherapy approaches, prevailing resistance rates necessitate the continued development of novel therapeutic options. Photoimmunotherapy (PIT) is emerging as a promising immunotherapy strategy that uses photodynamic therapy (PDT) to unleash systemic immune responses against tumor sites while maintaining the superior tumor-specificity and minimally invasive nature of traditional PDT. In this review, we discuss recent advances in PIT and strategies for the management of melanoma using PIT. PIT can strongly induce immunogenic cell death, inviting the concomitant application of immune checkpoint blockade or adoptive cell therapies. PIT can also be leveraged to selectively remove the suppressive immune populations associated with immunotherapy resistance. The modular nature of PIT therapy design combined with the potential for patient-specific antigen selection or drug co-delivery makes PIT an alluring option for future personalized melanoma care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranav Volety
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Carl A Shirley
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Gagan Chhabra
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nihal Ahmad
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Ren Q, Wang H, Li D, Dao A, Luo J, Wang D, Zhang P, Huang H. An Electron Donor-Acceptor Structured Rhenium(I) Complex Photo-Sensitizer Evokes Mutually Reinforcing "Closed-Loop" Ferroptosis and Immunotherapy. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2304067. [PMID: 38597369 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202304067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
The hypoxic microenvironment of solid tumors severely lowers the efficacy of oxygen-dependent photodynamic therapy (PDT). The development of hypoxia-tolerant photosensitizers for PDT is an urgent requirement. In this study, a novel rhenium complex (Re-TTPY) to develop a "closed-loop" therapy based on PDT-induced ferroptosis and immune therapy is reported. Due to its electron donor-acceptor (D-A) structure, Re-TTPY undergoes energy transfer and electron transfer processes under 550 nm light irradiation and displays hypoxia-tolerant type I/II combined PDT capability, which can generate 1O2, O2 -, and ·OH simultaneously. Further, the reactive oxygen species (ROSs) leads to the depletion of 1,4-dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and glutathione (GSH). As a result, ferroptosis occurs in cells, simultaneously triggers immunogenic cell death (ICD), and promotes the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) and infiltration of T cells. The release of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) by CD8+ T cells downregulates the expression of GPX4, further enhancing the occurrence of ferroptosis, and thereby, forming a mutually reinforcing "closed-loop" therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyan Ren
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Haobing Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Dan Li
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Anyi Dao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science (Shenzhen), Shenzhen campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No.66, Gongchang Road, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Jiajun Luo
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Deliang Wang
- Department of Materials Chemistry, Huzhou University, East 2nd Ring Rd. No. 759, Huzhou, 313000, China
| | - Pingyu Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Huaiyi Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science (Shenzhen), Shenzhen campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No.66, Gongchang Road, Shenzhen, 518107, China
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6
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Zhang T, Zeng X, Zeng E, Wang H. Ferroptosis in antitumor therapy: Unraveling regulatory mechanisms and immunogenic potential. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 134:112203. [PMID: 38705030 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112203] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Ferroptosis, a recently discovered form of non-apoptotic cell death, has the potential to revolutionize anti-tumor therapy. This review highlights the regulatory mechanisms and immunogenic properties of ferroptosis, and how it can enhance the effectiveness of radio and immunotherapies in overcoming tumor resistance. However, tumor metabolism and the impact of ferroptosis on the tumor microenvironment present challenges in completely realizing its therapeutic potential. A deeper understanding of the effects of ferroptosis on tumor cells and their associated immune cells is essential for developing more effective tumor treatment strategies. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the relationship between ferroptosis and tumor immunity, and sheds new light on its application in tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China; First Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xiaoping Zeng
- Medical College, Jinhua Polytechnic, Jinhua 321017, Zhejiang Province, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Erming Zeng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Hongmei Wang
- Medical College, Jinhua Polytechnic, Jinhua 321017, Zhejiang Province, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China.
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Zhou H, Cheng Y, Huang Q, Xiao J. Regulation of ferroptosis by nanotechnology for enhanced cancer immunotherapy. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2024; 21:921-943. [PMID: 39014916 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2024.2379937] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This review explores the innovative intersection of ferroptosis, a form of iron-dependent cell death, with cancer immunotherapy. Traditional cancer treatments face limitations in efficacy and specificity. Ferroptosis as a new paradigm in cancer biology, targets metabolic peculiarities of cancer cells and may potentially overcome such limitations, enhancing immunotherapy. AREA COVERED This review centers on the regulation of ferroptosis by nanotechnology to augment immunotherapy. It explores how nanoparticle-modulated ferroptotic cancer cells impact the TME and immune responses. The dual role of nanoparticles in modulating immune response through ferroptosis are also discussed. Additionally, it investigates how nanoparticles can be integrated with various immunotherapeutic strategies, to optimize ferroptosis induction and cancer treatment efficacy. The literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar, covering articles published up to March 2024. EXPERT OPINION The manuscript underscores the promising yet intricate landscape of ferroptosis in immunotherapy. It emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of ferroptosis' impact on immune cells and the TME to develop more effective cancer treatments, highlighting the potential of nanoparticles in enhancing the efficacy of ferroptosis and immunotherapy. It calls for deeper exploration into the molecular mechanisms and clinical potential of ferroptosis to fully harness its therapeutic benefits in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haohan Zhou
- Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiyun Cheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Quan Huang
- Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jianru Xiao
- Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, PR China
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Ran Y, Hu J, Chen Y, Rao Z, Zhao J, Xu Z, Ming J. Morusin-Cu(II)-indocyanine green nanoassembly ignites mitochondrial dysfunction for chemo-photothermal tumor therapy. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 662:760-773. [PMID: 38377695 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.02.121] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Nanoscale drug delivery systems derived from natural bioactive materials accelerate the innovation and evolution of cancer treatment modalities. Morusin (Mor) is a prenylated flavonoid compound with high cancer chemoprevention activity, however, the poor water solubility, low active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) loading content, and instability compromise its bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness. Herein, a full-API carrier-free nanoparticle is developed based on the self-assembly of indocyanine green (ICG), copper ions (Cu2+) and Mor, termed as IMCNs, via coordination-driven and π-π stacking for synergistic tumor therapy. The IMCNs exhibits a desirable loading content of Mor (58.7 %) and pH/glutathione (GSH)-responsive motif. Moreover, the photothermal stability and photo-heat conversion efficiency (42.8 %) of IMCNs are improved after coordination with Cu2+ and help to achieve photothermal therapy. Afterward, the released Cu2+ depletes intracellular overexpressed GSH and mediates Fenton-like reactions, and further synergizes with ICG at high temperatures to expand oxidative damage. Furthermore, the released Mor elicits cytoplasmic vacuolation, expedites mitochondrial dysfunction, and exerts chemo-photothermal therapy after being combined with ICG to suppress the migration of residual live tumor cells. In vivo experiments demonstrate that IMCNs under laser irradiation could excellently inhibit tumor growth (89.6 %) through the multi-modal therapeutic performance of self-enhanced chemotherapy/coordinated-drugs/ photothermal therapy (PTT), presenting a great potential for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalin Ran
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Speciality Food Co-Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Junfeng Hu
- School of Materials and Energy, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Speciality Food Co-Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenan Rao
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Speciality Food Co-Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Jichun Zhao
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Speciality Food Co-Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhigang Xu
- School of Materials and Energy, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jian Ming
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Speciality Food Co-Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China.
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