pH-gated nanoparticles selectively regulate lysosomal function of tumour-associated macrophages for cancer immunotherapy

An Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Specific Nanoinducer Selectively Evokes Type-II Immunogenic Cell Death for Pyroptotic Cancer Immunotherapy

Specific induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-initiated type-II immunogenic cell death (ICD) shows great potential in boosting tumor immunogenicity and anti-tumor immunotherapy. However, it remains challenging to selectively provoke type-II ICD, due to the lack of highly efficient ER targeting strategy. Here, a pH/Cathepsin-Activatable Nanoplatform (PCAN) is reported to specifically photo-induce ER stress (PCANER) and type-II ICD for cancer immunotherapy. PCANER integrates the long-circulating properties of nanomedicines with pH/cathepsin B dual-gated design, exhibiting excellent ER targeting with a colocalization efficacy of 83% in cancer tissues. Through directly intensifying glucose-regulated protein 78 and calreticulin exposure, PCANER augments type-II ICD and pyroptotic cancer cell death with high immune priming to cascade-amplify the cancer-immunity cycle, while the mild type-I ICD induced by lysosome stress (PCANLy) exhibits negligible antitumor efficacy. By leveraging the spatiotemporal subcellular organelle targeting of PCAN technology, this study achieves precise tuning of the type of ICD and cellular pyroptosis-based cancer therapy. This study offers new insights into the design of organelle level-targeted nanomedicines, paving the way for dissecting and modulating the cell death mechanism to boost cancer immunotherapy.

Nano-immunomodulator amplifies STING activation in tumor-associated macrophages for cancer immunotherapy

The initiation of tumor-specific T cell responses is critically dependent on antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Nevertheless, as the most dominant APCs in tumors, M2-like macrophages largely restrained T cell activation due to inefficient antigen cross-presentation. Herein, we rationally designed a nano-immunomodulator (FANP) to restore the antigen presentation capability of M2-like macrophages by amplifying stimulator of interferon genes (STING) activation. FANPs were fabricated by self-assembly of Fe3+ and Raddeanin A (RA), which rapidly degraded when reaching tumor microenvironment. The released Fe3+ induced the polarization of M2-like macrophages into M1 phenotype, followed by RA stimulation for amplified STING activation, allowing robust antigen cross-presentation and T cell-driven anti-tumor response, leading to effective tumor regression in both immunogenic and poor-immunogenic tumor models. Notably, FANPs exhibited intensive STING activation in human tumor samples, showing potential for clinical impact. Our work offers a simple and robust strategy to re-educate M2-like macrophages by augmenting STING activation for cancer immunotherapy.

Manganese Dioxide-Based pH-Responsive Multifunctional Nanoparticles Deliver Methotrexate for Targeted Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by hypoxia and reactive oxygen species (ROS) overexpression, which cause inflammatory cascade and cartilage erosion. As representative inflammatory cells, macrophages produce many inflammatory factors, and intracellular ROS is abnormally elevated. Therefore, improving hypoxia and scavenging ROS are essential to inhibit the inflammatory response of synovial macrophages and cartilage destruction. Due to the complex microenvironment of RA and the single action of most anti-inflammatory and antioxidant drugs, as well as the difficulty in reversing the microenvironment with current formulations developed for ROS clearance, it is necessary to develop multifunctional nanoparticles (NPs) to achieve better therapeutic effects. In this work, we constructed a delivery system called PCM@MnO2 NPs, which could reduce inflammatory factors and improve the RA environment through multifunctional synergistic effects such as eliminating ROS and generating oxygen. Specifically, chondroitin sulfate was used to form NPs with methotrexate (MTX) through electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding and further loaded with MnO2 to form CM@MnO2 NPs. Furthermore, modification of polydopamine on the surface of CM@MnO2 NPs improved the stability of the formulation and extended the cycle time. Under the acidic (pH 6.5) microenvironment of RA, polydopamine shells were dissociated. Chondroitin sulfate could target inflammatory macrophages via the CD44 receptor and subsequently release MTX and MnO2 under low-intracellular-pH (pH 5.2) conditions. MnO2 could decompose and consume ROS and further produce oxygen in the process of decomposing H2O2, alleviating the hypoxic microenvironment of RA. In addition, MTX could also inhibit the secretion of cytokines. Overall, by regulating the RA microenvironment through the various synergistic effects mentioned above, it could promote macrophage polarization and alleviate RA progression. The experimental results in vitro and in vivo indicated that pH-responsive PCM@MnO2 NPs could accumulate in inflammatory joints by the extravasation through leaky vasculature and subsequent inflammatory cell-mediated sequestration (ELVIS) effect, enhance the precise delivery of MTX by targeting RA macrophages, and effectively alleviate the progression of disease and reduce the symptoms of collagen-induced arthritis mouse models. In general, using multifunctional synergistic therapy for RA is an effective potential strategy.

Innovative applications of silicon dioxide nanoparticles for targeted liver cancer treatment

Liver cancer remains a major global health challenge, characterized by high mortality and limited treatment efficacy. Conventional therapies, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and viral vectors, are hindered by systemic toxicity, drug resistance, and high costs. Silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) have emerged as promising platforms for liver cancer therapy, offering precise drug delivery, stimuli-responsive release, and integrated diagnostic-therapeutic capabilities. This review critically examines the potential of SiO2NPs to overcome these therapeutic limitations. Notable advances include their high drug-loading capacity, customizable surface modifications, and dual-responsive systems (pH/redox/NIR-II) that enable >90% tumor-specific drug release. Preclinical studies have demonstrated synergistic efficacy in combination therapies. Additionally, theranostic SiO2NPs enable MRI-guided tumor delineation and real-time treatment monitoring. Despite promising results, challenges remain in long-term biosafety, scalable synthesis, and regulatory compliance. Early-phase clinical trials, including those using NIR-II-responsive platforms, highlight their translational potential but underscore the need for further validation of toxicity profiles and manufacturing standards. Future research should focus on optimizing combinatory treatment strategies, scaling up production, and aligning with evolving regulatory frameworks. By bridging nanomaterial innovation with clinical applications, SiO2NPs offer unparalleled potential for advancing precision oncology in hepatocellular carcinoma.

PPS-TLR7/8 agonist nanoparticles equip robust anticancer immunity by selectively prolonged activation of dendritic cells

Checkpoint inhibitor therapies do not benefit all patients, and adjuvants play a critical role in boosting immune responses for effective cancer immunotherapy. However, their systemic toxicity and suboptimal activation kinetics pose significant challenges. Here, this study presented a linker-based strategy to modulate the activation kinetics of Toll-like receptor 7/8 (TLR7/8) agonists delivered via poly (propylene sulfide) nanoparticles (PPS NPs). By covalently binding small molecule TLR7/8 agonists to PPS NPs with different linkers, enhanced therapeutic efficacy is achieved while abrogating systemic toxicity. These results showed that an alkyl linker selectively prolong the activation of DCs. It avoided the extensive activation of other APCs, favoring the limitation of immune-related toxicities. This strategy exhibited significant anti-tumor activity in alkyl linked nano-TLR7/8 agonists treatment alone, and cytokine and immune cell profiling provided evidence of prolonged immune cell activation in the tumor microenvironment, with evidence of an increase in the frequency of tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. This linker-based approach offers a promising strategy to optimize the delivery of nano-TLR7/8 agonists for cancer immunotherapy, potentially advancing the field toward improved clinical outcomes.

Advances in nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery and controlled drug release

Nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems (nDDSs) present significant opportunities for improving disease treatment, offering advantages in drug encapsulation, solubilization, stability enhancement, and optimized pharmacokinetics and biodistribution. nDDSs, comprising lipid, polymeric, protein, and inorganic nanovehicles, can be guided by or respond to biological cues for precise disease treatment and management. Equipping nanocarriers with tissue/cell-targeted ligands enables effective navigation in complex environments, while functionalization with stimuli-responsive moieties facilitates site-specific controlled release. These strategies enhance drug delivery efficiency, augment therapeutic efficacy, and reduce side effects. This article reviews recent strategies and ongoing advancements in nDDSs for targeted drug delivery and controlled release, examining lesion-targeted nanomedicines through surface modification with small molecules, peptides, antibodies, carbohydrates, or cell membranes, and controlled-release nanocarriers responding to endogenous signals such as pH, redox conditions, enzymes, or external triggers like light, temperature, and magnetism. The article also discusses perspectives on future developments.

Emerging nanomedicines for macrophage-mediated cancer therapy

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) contribute to tumor progression by promoting angiogenesis, remodeling the tumor extracellular matrix, inducing tumor invasion and metastasis, as well as immune evasion. Due to the high plasticity of TAMs, they can polarize into different phenotypes with distinct functions, which are primarily categorized as the pro-inflammatory, anti-tumor M1 type, and the anti-inflammatory, pro-tumor M2 type. Notably, anti-tumor macrophages not only directly phagocytize tumor cells, but also present tumor-specific antigens and activate adaptive immunity. Therefore, targeted regulation of TAMs to unleash their potential anti-tumor capabilities is crucial for improving the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Nanomedicine serves as a promising vehicle and can inherently interact with TAMs, hence, emerging as a new paradigm in cancer immunotherapy. Due to their controllable structures and properties, nanomedicines offer a plethora of advantages over conventional drugs, thus enhancing the balance between efficacy and toxicity. In this review, we provide an overview of the hallmarks of TAMs and discuss nanomedicines for targeting TAMs with a focus on inhibiting recruitment, depleting and reprogramming TAMs, enhancing phagocytosis, engineering macrophages, as well as targeting TAMs for tumor imaging. We also discuss the challenges and clinical potentials of nanomedicines for targeting TAMs, aiming to advance the exploitation of nanomedicine for cancer immunotherapy.

ARL8B regulates lysosomal function and predicts poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Adenosine 5'-diphosphate ribosylation factor-like 8B (ARL8B), a small GTPase, is involved in lysosome motility. Our study investigates the role of ARL8B in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using in vitro and in vivo experiments, bioinformatics, and clinical data. We found that ARL8B expression is abnormally elevated in HCC and correlates with poor prognosis. ARL8B knockdown triggered lysosomal dysfunction-manifesting as abnormal morphology, decreased pH, reduced hydrolase activity, and impaired autophagic degradation-which subsequently led to cell cycle arrest and reduced cell viability. Additionally, tumors with high ARL8B expression (ARL8Bhigh) exhibited notable differences in tumor microenvironment composition compared to those with low ARL8B expression (ARL8Blow). ARL8Bhigh HCCs had significantly increased infiltration of NFKBIZ+/HIF1A+ and VEGFA+/SPP1+ neutrophils. EcoTyper analysis indicated that ARL8Bhigh HCCs had a lower proportion of carcinoma ecotype 6, a cellular ecosystem common in normal tissues but rare in tumors. Bioinformatics and real-world analysis showed a positive correlation between ARL8B and PD-L1 expression. Patients with high ARL8B expression exhibited increased sensitivity to sorafenib and immune checkpoint blockade therapy. In conclusion, our findings identify ARL8B as a key lysosomal regulator associated with tumor microenvironment composition in HCC, suggesting its potential as both a therapeutic target and a biomarker for predicting treatment response.

CpG-Based Nanovaccines Enhance Ovarian Cancer Immune Response by Gbp2-Mediated Remodeling of Tumor-Associated Macrophages

CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG), as an immunoadjuvant, can facilitate the transformation of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs)into tumoricidal M1 macrophages. However, the accumulation of free CpG in tumor tissues remains a substantial challenge. To address this, a nanovaccine (PLGA-CpG@ID8-M) is engineered by encapsulating CpG within PLGA using ID8 ovarian cancer cell membranes (ID8-M). This nanovaccine demonstrates remarkable efficacy in reprogramming TAMs in ovarian cancer and significantly extends survival in ID8-bearing mice. Notably, these findings indicate that the nanovaccine can also mitigate chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression by increasing the proportion of M1-like TAMs and reducing the expression of CD47 on tumor cells, thereby achieving a synergistic effect in tumor immunotherapy. Mechanistically, through transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq), single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and mass spectrometry-based proteomics, it is elucidated that the nanovaccine enhances the expression of Gbp2 and promotes the recruitment of Pin1, which activates the NFκB signaling pathway, leading to the M1 polarization of TAMs. Furthermore, macrophages with elevated Gbp2 expression significantly inhibit tumor growth in both ID8 ovarian cancer and 4T1 breast cancer models. Conversely, targeting Gbp2 diminishes the antitumor efficacy of the nanovaccine in vivo. This study offers an innovative approach to immunotherapy and elucidates a novel mechanism (Gbp2-Pin1-NFκB pathway) for remodeling TAMs.

Chiral Nanofibers of Camptothecin Trigger Pyroptosis for Enhanced Immunotherapy

Camptothecin (CPT), a chemotherapeutic agent, demonstrates significant potential in cancer therapy. However, as a drug, CPT molecule suffers from poor water solubility, limited bioavailability, and insufficient immune response. Herein, we construct CPT nanofibers (CNF) with a right-handed chiral property via supramolecular self-assembly, which significantly overcomes the solubility barriers associated with bioavailability and improves tumor immune prognosis. The CNF exhibits high chiral asymmetry factor (gabs) (~0.11) and remarkable structure stability under pH 6.5 condition. By formulating chiral CNF with mitochondrial-targeted DSPE-PEG-TPP, CNF accumulates specifically in the mitochondria of cancer cells, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and a 3.42-fold increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation compared to the CPT molecule. This ROS amplification activates the caspase-1/gasdermin D (GSDMD) pathway, inducing pyroptosis that promotes M1 macrophage polarization and enhances CD8+ T-cell-dependent antitumor immunity. Consequently, CNF achieves 1.8-fold greater growth inhibition of distant tumor and reduces tumor metastasis compared to the CPT molecule. Our innovative platform, assembling CPT molecules into chiral CNF structure, is highly anticipated to overcome the current clinical limitations of CPT molecules and offer a new direction for the development of next-generation immunotherapy strategies.

Ultra-pH-sensitive nanoplatform for precise tumor therapy

The emergence of precision cancer treatment has triggered a paradigm shift in the field of oncology, facilitating the implementation of more effective and personalized therapeutic approaches that enhance patient outcomes. The pH of the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a pivotal role in both the initiation and progression of cancer, thus emerging as a promising focal point for precision cancer treatment. By specifically targeting the acidic conditions inherent to the tumor microenvironment, innovative therapeutic interventions have been proposed, exhibiting significant potential in augmenting treatment efficacy and ameliorating patient prognosis. The concept of ultra-pH-sensitive (UPS) nanoplatform was proposed several years ago, demonstrating exceptional pH sensitivity and an adjustable pH transition point. Subsequently, diverse UPS nanoplatforms have been actively explored for biomedical applications, enabling the loading of fluorophores, therapeutic drugs, and photosensitizers. This review aims to elucidate the design strategy and response mechanism of the UPS nanoplatform, with a specific emphasis on its applications in surgical therapy, immunotherapy, drug delivery, photodynamic therapy, and photothermal therapy. The potential and challenges of translating in the clinic on UPS nanoplatforms are finally explored. Thanks to its responsive and easily modifiable nature, the integration of multiple functional units within a UPS nanoplatform holds great promise for future advancements in tumor precision theranositcs.

A pH-Responsive and Guanidinium-Rich Nanoadjuvant Efficiently Delivers STING Agonist for Cancer Immunotherapy

As natural agonists of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING), cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) have been identified as promising immunotherapies that trigger a potent immune response against tumors. However, the low stability, rapid clearance, inadequate cellular uptake, and inefficient cytosol localization heavily hinder the therapeutic efficacy of the hydrophilic and negatively charged 2', 3'-cyclic-GMP-AMP (cGAMP). How to efficiently deliver cGAMP into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to activate STING for immune priming remains challenging. Here, we report a pH-responsive and guanidinium-rich STING nanoagonist (nPGSA) for cytosol delivery of cGAMP. Compared with free cGAMP, nPGSA achieves up to a 37.4-fold enhancement of cellular internalization. The pH-sensitive and guanidinium-functional design facilitates quick release and endosome escape, thus enabling precise ER targeting of cGAMP and 33.9-fold amplification of STING sensibilization. Furthermore, through the modulation of tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) polarization, nPGSA elicits a potent antigen-specific cellular immune response and sustained tumor regression in melanoma- and neuroblastoma-bearing mice. Our study provides a promising strategy for the delivery of cGAMP, and it offers insights into the function of cGAMP in modulating the tumor immune microenvironment for cancer immunotherapy.

Intracellular metal ion-based chemistry for programmed cell death

Intracellular metal ions play essential roles in multiple physiological processes, including catalytic action, diverse cellular processes, intracellular signaling, and electron transfer. It is crucial to maintain intracellular metal ion homeostasis which is achieved by the subtle balance of storage and release of metal ions intracellularly along with the influx and efflux of metal ions at the interface of the cell membrane. Dysregulation of intracellular metal ions has been identified as a key mechanism in triggering programmed cell death (PCD). Despite the importance of metal ions in initiating PCD, the molecular mechanisms of intracellular metal ions within these processes are infrequently discussed. An in-depth understanding and review of the role of metal ions in triggering PCD may better uncover novel tools for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Specifically, the essential roles of calcium (Ca2+), iron (Fe2+/3+), copper (Cu+/2+), and zinc (Zn2+) ions in triggering PCD are primarily explored in this review, and other ions like manganese (Mn2+/3+/4+), cobalt (Co2+/3+) and magnesium ions (Mg2+) are briefly discussed. Further, this review elaborates on the underlying chemical mechanisms and summarizes these metal ions triggering PCD in cancer therapy. This review bridges chemistry, immunology, and biology to foster the rational regulation of metal ions to induce PCD for cancer therapy.

Tumor-Associated Macrophages Nano-Reprogrammers Induce "Gear Effect" to Empower Glioblastoma Immunotherapy

Glioblastoma (GBM), the most malignant brain tumor with high prevalence, remains highly resistant to the existing immunotherapies due to the significant immunosuppression within tumor microenvironment (TME), predominantly manipulated by M2-phenotypic tumor-associated macrophages (M2-TAMs). Here in this work, an M2-TAMs targeted nano-reprogrammers, MG5-S-IMDQ, is established by decorating the mannose molecule as the targeting moiety as well as the toll-like receptor (TLR) 7/8 agonist, imidazoquinoline (IMDQ) on the dendrimeric nanoscaffold. MG5-S-IMDQ demonstrated an excellent capacity of penetrating the blood-brain barrier (BBB) as well as selectively targeting M2-TAMs in the GBM microenvironment, leading to a phenotype transformation and function restoration of TAMs shown as heightened phagocytic activity toward tumor cells, enhanced cytotoxic effects, and improved tumor antigen cross-presentation capability. In the meantime, by induction of a function-oriented "gear effect", MG5-S-IMDQ treatment extended its impact systemically by enhancing the infiltration of type I conventional dendritic cells (cDC1s) into the tumor sites and bolstering adaptive immune responses. In sum, by precisely working on M2-TAMs as a unique target in tumor situ, the nano-reprogrammers successfully established a robust immune network that worked synergistically to combat tumors. This facile nanoplatform-based immunomodulatory strategy, serving as a powerful and convenient immune monotherapy or as a complementary treatment alongside other therapies like surgery, provided deep insights for advancing translational study in GBM.

Organelle-Targeting Nanoparticles

Organelles are specialized subunits within cells which carry out vital functions crucial to cellular survival and form a tightly regulated network. Dysfunctions in any of these organelles are linked to numerous diseases impacting virtually every organ system in the human body. Targeted delivery of therapeutics to specific organelles within the cell holds great promise for overcoming challenging diseases and improving treatment outcomes through the minimization of therapeutic dosage and off-target effects. Nanoparticles are versatile and effective tools for therapeutic delivery to specific organelles. Nanoparticles offer several advantageous characteristics, including a high surface area-to-volume ratio for efficient therapeutic loading and the ability to attach targeting moieties (tethers) that enhance delivery. The choice of nanoparticle shape, size, composition, surface properties, and targeting ligands depends on the desired target organelle and therapeutic effect. Various nanoparticle platforms have been explored for organelle targeting, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and inorganic nanoparticles. In this review, current and emerging approaches to nanoparticle design are examined in the context of various diseases linked to organelle dysfunction. Specifically, advances in nanoparticle therapies targeting organelles such as the nucleus, mitochondria, lysosomes/endosomes, Golgi apparatus, and endoplasmic reticulum are comprehensively and critically discussed.

Antitumor Cream: Transdermal Hydrogel Containing Liposome-Encapsulated Ruthenium Complex for Infrared-Controlled Multimodal Synergistic Therapy

A transdermal drug delivery cream, which is non-invasive and painless, containing a liposome-encapsulated Ru(II) complex (LipoRu) is created for the treatment of skin cancer. This formulation capitalizes on the synergistic antitumor effects of two-photon excited photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), and chemotherapy. LipoRu exhibits effective tumor accumulation, efficient cellular uptake, pH-sensitive and infrared-accelerated release, and dual localization to the nucleus and mitochondria. The released Ru(II) complexes within cells exert multiple antitumor mechanisms, such as DNA topoisomerase and RNA polymerase inhibition, Type I and II PDT, PTT, DNA photodamage, and apoptosis and ferroptosis induction. The biodistribution and therapeutic efficacy of LipoRu in vivo are systematically compared via three distinct administration routes: intratumoral injection, intravenous injection, and transdermal delivery through topical cream application. The positive therapeutic effects of the LipoRu cream fabricated here in subcutaneous tumor-bearing mice offer optimistic potential for the painless and non-invasive treatment of both early-stage and advanced skin cancers, as well as superficially located solid tumors.

Bisphosphonate-mineralized nano-IFNγ suppresses residual tumor growth caused by incomplete radiofrequency ablation through metabolically remodeling tumor-associated macrophages

Rationale: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), as a minimally invasive surgery strategy based on local thermal-killing effect, is widely used in the clinical treatment of multiple solid tumors. Nevertheless, RFA cannot achieve the complete elimination of tumor lesions with larger burden or proximity to blood vessels. Incomplete RFA (iRFA) has even been validated to promote residual tumor growth due to the suppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Therefore, exploring strategies to remodel TIME is a key issue for the development of RFA therapy. Methods: The negative effect of iRFA on colorectal cancer therapy was firstly investigated. Then a zoledronate-mineralized nanoparticle loaded with IFNγ (Nano-IFNγ/Zole) was designed and its tumor suppressive efficacy was evaluated. Finally, the metabolic reprogramming mechanism of Nano-IFNγ/Zole on tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) was studied in detail. Results: We found iRFA dynamically altered TIME and promoted TAM differentiation from M1 to M2. Nano-IFNγ/Zole was fabricated to metabolically remodel TAMs. IFNγ in Nano-IFNγ/Zole concentrated in the ablation site to play a long-term remodeling role. Acting on mevalonate pathway, Nano-IFNγ/Zole was discovered to reduce lysosomal acidification and activate transcription factor TFEB by inhibiting isoprene modification of the Rab protein family. These mechanisms, in conjunction with IFNγ-activated JAK/STAT1 signaling, accelerated the reprogramming of TAMs from M2 to M1, and suppressed tumor recurrence after iRFA. Conclusions: This study elaborates the synergistic mechanism of zoledronate and IFNγ in Nano-IFNγ/Zole to reshape suppressive TIME caused by iRFA by remodeling TAMs, and highlights the important value of metabolically induced cellular reprogramming. Since both zoledronate and IFNγ have already been approved in clinics, this integrative nano-drug delivery system establishes an effective strategy with great translational promise to overcome the poor prognosis after clinically incomplete RFA.

Decoding Chemotherapy Resistance of Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma at the Single Cell Resolution: A Case Report

Background: Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is a highly malignant mesenchymal tumor that ranks as one of the most common types of soft tissue sarcoma. Even though chemotherapy increases the 5-year survival rate in UPS, high tumor heterogeneity frequently leads to chemotherapy resistance and consequently to recurrences. In this study, we characterized the cell composition and the transcriptional profile of UPS with resistance to chemotherapy at the single cell resolution. Methods: A 58-year-old woman was diagnosed with a 13.6 × 9.3 × 6.0 cm multi-nodular tumor with heterogeneous cysto-solid structure at the level of the distal metadiaphysis of the left thigh during magnetic resonance tomography. Morphological and immunohistochemical analysis led to the diagnosis of high-grade (G3) UPS. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgery (negative resection margins), and adjuvant chemotherapy were conducted, but tumor recurrence developed. The UPS sample was used to perform single-cell RNA sequencing by chromium-fixed RNA profiling. Results: Four subpopulations of tumor cells and seven subpopulations of tumor microenvironment (TME) have been identified in UPS. The expression of chemoresistance genes has been detected, including KLF4 (doxorubicin and ifosfamide), ULK1, LUM, GPNMB, and CAVIN1 (doxorubicin), and AHNAK2 (gemcitabine) in tumor cells and ETS1 (gemcitabine) in TME. Conclusions: This study provides the first description of the single-cell transcriptome of UPS with resistance to two lines of chemotherapy, showcasing the gene expression in subpopulations of tumor cells and TME, which may be potential markers for personalized cancer therapy.

Intelligent response micelles with high andrographolide loading for the effective treatment of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease which associated with a maladaptive immune response driven by macrophages. In the development of AS, macrophages have gradually become new therapeutic targets due to their involvement in numerous inflammatory-related pathological processes in AS. However, despite significant breakthroughs in the development of macrophages targeting nanocarriers, unsatisfactory drug loading, and inexact drug release limited the development of nano-therapy. Therefore, developing a high drug-loading nanocarrier that can accurately release drugs at AS lesions is quite essential. Herein, we optimized double moieties coupled mPEG-PLA copolymer micelles via phenylboronic acid (PBA)-terminated on the hydrophobic chain and cRGD coupled in hydrophilic chain to enhance AS therapy. The micelles loaded with andrographolide (AND) exhibited advanced drug loading capacity, as PBA could form a reversible boronic ester with AND at physiological pH. The cRGD-modified AND-loaded micelles (RPPPA) could be efficaciously internalized by macrophages and efficiently prevent macrophages from differentiating to foam cells. After intravenous administration, RPPPA could accumulate in plaques and exert therapeutic effects. The optimistic therapeutic results of atherosclerosis were shown in RPPPA, included the fewer plaques, a smaller necrotic core, a more stabilized fibrous cap, and lower macrophages and MMP-9, compared with the control group. To sum up, the proposed encouraging therapy can contribute to high drug loading, exact target, and precise drug release as well as reduce inflammation for AS treatment.

Unraveling Macrophage Polarization: Functions, Mechanisms, and "Double-Edged Sword" Roles in Host Antiviral Immune Responses

Numerous viruses that propagate through the respiratory tract may be initially engulfed by macrophages (Mφs) within the alveoli, where they complete their first replication cycle and subsequently infect the adjacent epithelial cells. This process can lead to significant pathological damage to tissues and organs, leading to various diseases. As essential components in host antiviral immune systems, Mφs can be polarized into pro-inflammatory M1 Mφs or anti-inflammatory M2 Mφs, a process involving multiple signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms that yield diverse phenotypic and functional features in response to various stimuli. In general, when infected by a virus, M1 macrophages secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines to play an antiviral role, while M2 macrophages play an anti-inflammatory role to promote the replication of the virus. However, recent studies have shown that some viruses may exhibit the opposite trend. Viruses have evolved various strategies to disrupt Mφ polarization for efficient replication and transmission. Notably, various factors, such as mechanical softness, the altered pH value of the endolysosomal system, and the homeostasis between M1/M2 Mφs populations, contribute to crucial events in the viral replication cycle. Here, we summarize the regulation of Mφ polarization, virus-induced alterations in Mφ polarization, and the antiviral mechanisms associated with these changes. Collectively, this review provides insights into recent advances regarding Mφ polarization in host antiviral immune responses, which will contribute to the development of precise prevention strategies as well as management approaches to disease incidence and transmission.

Differential phagocytic expression of IC-21 macrophages and their scavenging receptors during inflammatory induction by oxysterol: A microscopic approach

Phagocytosis by macrophages dates back to a long history in science, this present study deals with new approaches that have been analyzed and standardized towards the interesting aspects of primary and secondary macrophages. The distinct morphological differences in primary and secondary phagocytic cells were observed and the phagocytic response of secondary macrophages under the influence of 7-ketocholesterol and lipopolysaccharide was analyzed. The primary peritoneal and secondary IC-21 cells unveiled explicit differences in nuclear numbers shapes and sizes of the granules present within the cytoplasmic region. Further, potent inducers 7KCh and LPS influenced an effective activation of IC-21 macrophages and resulted in ROS generation, irregulated protein expressions of CD86, CD68, and CD206 with enhanced phagocytic responses towards goat, cow, and human RBC targets with significant phagocytic rate and index were observed. Moreover, a remarkable observation of target specificity and aggregations with IC-21 phagocytic macrophages revealed the notion that specific membrane receptors and secretory molecules (lysosomes) are primarily involved in their phagocytic mechanism. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: IC-21 macrophages are peritoneal origin from mice but the primary peritoneal macrophages and cell line show distinct differences. IC-21 macrophages express target-specific phagocytosis. Phagocytosis in IC-21 macrophages is regulated by CD markers (68, 86, and 206).

Peptide-coated DNA nanostructures as a platform for control of lysosomal function in cells

DNA nanotechnology is a rapidly growing field that provides exciting tools for biomedical applications. Targeting lysosomal functions with nanomaterials, such as DNA nanostructures (DNs), represents a rational and systematic way to control cell functionality. Here we present a versatile DNA nanostructure-based platform that can modulate a number of cellular functions depending on the concentration and surface decoration of the nanostructure. Utilizing different peptides for surface functionalization of DNs, we were able to rationally modulate lysosomal activity, which in turn translated into the control of cellular function, ranging from changes in cell morphology to modulation of immune signaling and cell death. Low concentrations of decalysine peptide-coated DNs induced lysosomal acidification, altering the metabolic activity of susceptible cells. In contrast, DNs coated with an aurein-bearing peptide promoted lysosomal alkalization, triggering STING activation. High concentrations of decalysine peptide-coated DNs caused lysosomal swelling, loss of cell-cell contacts, and morphological changes without inducing cell death. Conversely, high concentrations of aurein-coated DNs led to lysosomal rupture and mitochondrial damage, resulting in significant cytotoxicity. Our study holds promise for the rational design of a new generation of versatile DNA-based nanoplatforms that can be used in various biomedical applications, like the development of combinatorial anti-cancer platforms, efficient systems for endolysosomal escape, and nanoplatforms modulating lysosomal pH.

Immunomodulatory nanoparticles activate cytotoxic T cells for enhancement of the effect of cancer immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy represents a promising targeted treatment by leveraging the patient's immune system or adoptive transfer of active immune cells to selectively eliminate cancer cells. Despite notable clinical successes, conventional immunotherapies face significant challenges stemming from the poor infiltration of endogenous or adoptively transferred cytotoxic T cells in tumors, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and the immune evasion capability of cancer cells, leading to limited efficacy in many types of solid tumors. Overcoming these hurdles is essential to broaden the applicability of immunotherapies. Recent advances in nanotherapeutics have emerged as an innovative tool to overcome these challenges and enhance the therapeutic potential of tumor immunotherapy. The unique biochemical and biophysical properties of nanomaterials offer advantages in activation of immune cells in vitro for cell therapy, targeted delivery, and controlled release of immunomodulatory agents in vivo. Nanoparticles are excellent carriers for tumor associated antigens or neoantigen peptides for tumor vaccine, empowering activation of tumor specific T cell responses. By precisely delivering immunomodulatory agents to the tumor site, immunoactivating nanoparticles can promote tumor infiltration of endogenous T cells or adoptively transferred T cells into tumors, to overcoming delivery and biological barriers in the tumor microenvironment, augmenting the immune system's ability to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. This review provides an overview of the current advances in immunotherapeutic approaches utilizing nanotechnology. With a focus on discussions concerning strategies to enhance activity and efficacy of cytotoxic T cells and explore the intersection of engineering nanoparticles and immunomodulation aimed at bolstering T cell-mediated immune responses, we introduce various nanoparticle formulations designed to deliver therapeutic payloads, tumor antigens and immunomodulatory agents for T cell activation. Diverse mechanisms through which nanoparticle-based approaches influence T cell responses by improving antigen presentation, promoting immune cell trafficking, and reprogramming immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments to potentiate anti-tumor immunity are examined. Additionally, the synergistic potential of combining nanotherapeutics with existing immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive T cell therapies is explored. In conclusion, this review highlights emerging research advances on activation of cytotoxic T cells using nanoparticle agents to support the promises and potential applications of nanoparticle-based immunomodulatory agents for cancer immunotherapy.

Bioconjugated Antibody-Trojan Immune Converter Enhance Cancer Immunotherapy with Minimized Toxicity by Programmed Two-Step Immunomodulation of Myeloid Cells

Current immune checkpoint blockade therapy (ICBT) predominantly targets T cells to harness the antitumor effects of adaptive immune system. However, the effectiveness of ICBT is reduced by immunosuppressive innate myeloid cells in tumor microenvironments (TMEs). Toll-like receptor 7/8 agonists (TLR7/8a) are often used to address this problem because they can reprogram myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and tumor-associated M2 macrophages, and boost dendritic cell (DC)-based T-cell generation; however, the systemic toxicity of TLR7/8a limits its clinical translation. Here, to address this limitation and utilize the effectiveness of TLR7/8a, this work suggests a programmed two-step activation strategy via Antibody-Trojan Immune Converter Conjugates (ATICC) that specifically targets myeloid cells by anti-SIRPα followed by reactivation of transiently inactivated Trojan TLR7/8a after antibody-mediated endocytosis. ATICC blocks the CD47-SIRPα ("don't eat me" signal), enhances phagocytosis, reprograms M2 macrophages and MDSCs, and increases cross-presentation by DCs, resulting in antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell generation in tumor-draining lymph nodes and TME while minimizing systemic toxicity. The local or systemic administration of ATICC improves ICBT responsiveness through reprogramming of the immunosuppressive TME, increased infiltration of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells, and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis. These results highlight the programmed and target immunomodulation via ATICC could enhance cancer immunotherapy with minimized systemic toxicities.

Photothermal and host immune activated therapy of cutaneous tuberculosis using macrophage targeted mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of deaths among infectious diseases worldwide. Cutaneous Tuberculosis (CTB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection in the skin, is still a harmful public health issue that requires more effective treatment strategy. Herein, we introduced mannose-modified mesoporous polydopamine nanosystems (Man-mPDA NPs) as the macrophage-targeted vectors to deliver anti-TB drug rifampicin and as photothermal agent to facilitate photothermal therapy (PTT) against Mtb infected macrophages for synergistic treatment of CTB. Based on the selective macrophage targeting effects, the proposed Rif@Man-mPDA NPs also showed excellent photothermal properties to develop Rif@Man-mPDA NPs-mediated PTT for intracellular Mtb killings in macrophages. Importantly, Rif@Man-mPDA NPs could inhibit the immune escape of Mtb by effectively chelating intracellular Fe2+ and inhibiting lipid peroxidation, and up-regulating GPX4 expression to inhibit ferroptosis of Mtb infected macrophages through activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. Moreover, Rif@Man-mPDA NPs-mediated PTT could effectively activate host cell immune responses by promoting autophagy of Mtb infected macrophages, which thus synergizes targeted drug delivery and ferroptosis inhibition for more effective intracellular Mtb clearance. This Rif@Man-mPDA NPs-mediated PTT strategy could also effectively inhibit the Mtb burdens and alleviate the pathological lesions induced by Mtb infection without significant systemic side effects in mouse CTB model. These results indicate that Rif@Man-mPDA NPs-mediated PTT can be served as a novel anti-TB strategy against CTB by synergizing macrophage targeted photothermal therapy and host immune defenses, thus holding promise for more effective treatment strategy development against CTB.

A Biomimetic Autophagosomes-Based Nanovaccine Boosts Anticancer Immunity

Personalized cancer vaccines based on tumor cell lysates offer promise for cancer immunotherapy yet fail to elicit a robust therapeutic effect due to the weak immunogenicity of tumor antigens. Autophagosomes, obtained from pleural effusions and ascites of cancer patients, have been identified as abundant reservoirs of tumor neoantigens that exhibit heightened immunogenicity. However, their potential as personalized cancer vaccines have been constrained by suboptimal lymphatic-targeting performances and challenges in antigen-presenting cell endocytosis. Here,a reinforced biomimetic autophagosome-based (BAPs) nanovaccine generated by precisely amalgamating autophagosome-derived neoantigens and two types of adjuvants capable of targeting lymph nodes is developed to potently elicit antitumor immunity. The redox-responsive BAPs facilitate cytosolic vaccine opening within antigen-presenting cells, thereby exposing adjuvants and antigens to stimulate a strong immune response. BAPs evoke broad-spectrum T-cell responses, culminating in the effective eradication of 71.4% of established tumors. Notably, BAPs vaccination triggers enduring T-cell responses that confer robust protection, with 100% of mice shielded against tumor rechallenge and a significant reduction in tumor incidence by 87.5%. Furthermore, BAPs synergize with checkpoint blockade therapy to inhibit tumor growth in the poorly immunogenic breast cancer model. The biomimetic approach presents a powerful nanovaccine formula with high versatility for personalized cancer immunotherapy.

An "AND" logic gate-based supramolecular therapeutic nanoplatform for combatting drug-resistant non-small cell lung cancer

Despite targeted therapies like epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a clinical challenge due to drug resistance hampering their efficacy. Here, we designed an "AND" logic gate-based supramolecular therapeutic platform (HA-BPY-GEF-NPs) for the treatment of EGFR-TKI resistant NSCLC. This system integrates both internal and external stimuli-responsive mechanisms that need to be activated in a preset sequence, enabling it to precisely control drug release behavior for enhancing therapeutic precision. By programming the system to respond to sequential near-infrared (NIR) irradiation and enzyme (cathepsin B) inputs, the release of gefitinib is effectively confined to the tumor region. Moreover, the NIR irradiation induces reactive oxygen species production, suppressing tumor growth and inhibiting bypass signaling pathways. The designed drug delivery system offers a highly controlled and targeted therapeutic approach, effectively inhibiting tumor growth, suppressing bypass signaling pathways, and overcoming EGFR-TKI resistance, thus offering a potential solution for maximizing therapeutic benefits.

Synthetic hemozoin as a nanocarrier for cross-presentation

It is known that conventional antigen presentation involves phagocytosis of antigens followed by its internalization in endocytic compartments and presentation of epitopes through MHC class II molecules for CD4 T cells. However, since 1976 a cross-presentation pathway has been studied, in which CD8 T cells are activated via MHC class I with antigens acquired through phagocytosis or endocytosis by dendritic cells (DCs). Among some important molecules involved in the cross-presentation, the C-type lectin receptor of the Dectin-1 cluster (CLECs), particularly the CLEC9A receptor, not only is expressed in dendritic cells but also presents a pivotal role in this context. In special, CLEC12A has been highlighted as a malaria pigment hemozoin (HZ) receptor. During Plasmodium infection, hemozoin crystals defend the parasite against heme toxicity within erythrocytes, as well as the released native HZ elicits pro-inflammatory responses and can induce cross-presentation. Particularly, this crystal can be synthesized from hematin anhydride and mimics the native form, and the gaps generated between the nanocrystal domains during its synthesis allow for substance coupling followed by its coating. Therefore, this study aimed to assess whether synthetic hemozoin (sHz) or hematin anhydride could be a nanocarrier and promote cross-presentation in dendritic cells. Firstly, it was verified that sHz can carry coated and coupled antigens, the compounds can associate to LAMP1-positive vesicles and decrease overall intracellular pH, which can potentially enhance the cross-presentation of ovalbumin and Leishmania infantum antigens. Thus, this study adds important data in the molecular intricacies of antigen presentation by showing not only the sHz immunomodulatory properties but also its potential applications as an antigen carrier.

A "dual-key-and-lock" DNA nanodevice enables spatially controlled multimodal imaging and combined cancer therapy

DNA-based theragnostic platforms have attracted more and more attention, while their applications are still impeded by nonspecific interference and insufficient therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we fabricate an integrated "dual-key-and-lock" DNA nanodevice (DKL-DND) which is composed of the inner Dox/Hairpin/Aptazyme-Au@Ag@Au probes and the outer metal-organic frameworks loaded with Fuel strand. Once internalized into human breast cancer cells (MCF-7), the DKL-DND is activated by cascaded endogenous stimuli (acidic pH in the lysosome and high expression of ATP in the cytoplasm), leading to spatially controlled optical/magnetic resonance multimodal imaging and gene/chemo/small molecule combined cancer therapy. By engineering pH and ATP-responsive units as cascaded locks on the DKL-DND, the operating status of the nanodevice and accessibility of encapsulated anti-tumour drugs can be precisely regulated in the specified physiological states, avoiding the premature activation and release during assembly and delivery. Both in vitro and in vivo assessments demonstrate that the DKL-DND with excellent stimuli-responsive ability, biocompatibility, stability and accumulation behaviour was capable of simultaneously affording accurate tumour diagnosis and efficient tumour growth inhibition. This integrated DKL-DND exhibits great promise in constructing self-adaptive nanodevices for multimodal imaging-guided combination therapy.

Beyond Nanoparticle-Based Intracellular Drug Delivery: Cytosol/Organelle-Targeted Drug Release and Therapeutic Synergism

Nanoparticle (NP)-based drug delivery systems are conceived to solve poor water-solubility and chemical/physical instability, and their purpose expanded to target specific sites for maximizing therapeutic effects and minimizing unwanted events of payloads. Targeted sites are also narrowed from organs/tissues and cells to cytosol/organelles. Beyond specific site targeting, the particular release of payloads at the target sites is growing in importance. This review overviews various issues and their general strategies during multiple steps, from the preparation of drug-loaded NPs to their drug release at the target cytosol/organelles. In particular, this review focuses on current strategies for "first" delivery and "later" release of drugs to the cytosol or organelles of interest using specific stimuli in the target sites. Recognizing or distinguishing the presence/absence of stimuli or their differences in concentration/level/activity in one place from those in another is applied to stimuli-triggered release via bond cleavage or nanostructural transition. In addition, future directions on understanding the intracellular balance of stimuli and their counter-stimuli are demonstrated to synergize the therapeutic effects of payloads released from stimuli-sensitive NPs.

Lysosomal Peptide Self-Assembly to Control Cell Behavior

Lysosomes are membrane-enclosed organelles that play key roles in degrading and recycling cellular debris, cellular signaling, and energy metabolism processes. Confinement of amphiphilic peptides in the lysosome to construct functional nanostructures through noncovalent interactions is an emerging approach to tune the homeostasis of lysosome. After briefly introducing the importance of lysosome and its functions, we discuss the advantages of lysosomal nanostructure formation for disease therapy. We next discuss the strategy for triggering the self-assembly of peptides in the lysosome, followed by a concise outlook of the future perspective about this emerging research direction.

Strategies and Recent Advances on Improving Efficient Antitumor of Lenvatinib Based on Nanoparticle Delivery System

Lenvatinib (LVN) is a potentially effective multiple-targeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for treating hepatocellular carcinoma, metastatic renal cell carcinoma and thyroid cancer. Nonetheless, poor pharmacokinetic properties including poor water solubility and rapid metabolic, complex tumor microenvironment, and drug resistance have impeded its satisfactory therapeutic efficacy. This article comprehensively reviews the uses of nanotechnology in LVN to improve antitumor effects. With the characteristic of high modifiability and loading capacity of the nano-drug delivery system, an active targeting approach, controllable drug release, and biomimetic strategies have been devised to deliver LVN to target tumors in sequence, compensating for the lack of passive targeting. The existing applications and advances of LVN in improving therapeutic efficacy include improving longer-term efficiency, achieving higher efficiency, combination therapy, tracking and diagnosing application and reducing toxicity. Therefore, using multiple strategies combined with photothermal, photodynamic, and immunoregulatory therapies potentially overcomes multi-drug resistance, regulates unfavorable tumor microenvironment, and yields higher synergistic antitumor effects. In brief, the nano-LVN delivery system has brought light to the war against cancer while at the same time improving the antitumor effect. More intelligent and multifunctional nanoparticles should be investigated and further converted into clinical applications in the future.

Molecule engineering strategy of toll-like receptor 7/8 agonists designed for potentiating immune stimuli activation

Toll-like receptor 7/8 (TLR-7/8) agonists serve as a promising class of pattern recognition receptors that effectively evoke the innate immune response, making them promising immunomodulatory agents for tumor immunotherapy. However, the uncontrollable administration of TLR-7/8 agonists frequently leads to the occurrence of severe immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Thus, it is imperative to strategically design tumor-microenvironment-associated biomarkers or exogenous stimuli responsive TLR-7/8 agonists in order to accurately evaluate and activate innate immune responses. No comprehensive elucidation has been documented thus far regarding TLR-7/8 immune agonists that are specifically engineered to enhance immune activation. In this feature article, we provide an overview of the advancements in TLR-7/8 agonists, aiming to enhance the comprehension of their mechanisms and promote the clinical progression through nanomedicine strategies. The current challenges and future directions of cancer immunotherapy are also discussed, with the hope that this work will inspire researchers to explore innovative applications for triggering immune responses through TLR-7/8 agonists.

Nanocarriers address intracellular barriers for efficient drug delivery, overcoming drug resistance, subcellular targeting and controlled release

The cellular barriers are major bottlenecks for bioactive compounds entering into cells to accomplish their biological functions, which limits their biomedical applications. Nanocarriers have demonstrated high potential and benefits for encapsulating bioactive compounds and efficiently delivering them into target cells by overcoming a cascade of intracellular barriers to achieve desirable therapeutic and diagnostic effects. In this review, we introduce the cellular barriers ahead of drug delivery and nanocarriers, as well as summarize recent advances and strategies of nanocarriers for increasing internalization with cells, promoting intracellular trafficking, overcoming drug resistance, targeting subcellular locations and controlled drug release. Lastly, the future perspectives of nanocarriers for intracellular drug delivery are discussed, which mainly focus on potential challenges and future directions. Our review presents an overview of intracellular drug delivery by nanocarriers, which may encourage the future development of nanocarriers for efficient and precision drug delivery into a wide range of cells and subcellular targets.

Gene expression analysis suggests immunosuppressive roles of endolysosomes in glioblastoma

Targeting endolysosomes is a strategy extensively pursued for treating cancers, including glioblastomas (GBMs), on the basis that the intact function of these subcellular organelles is key to tumor cell autophagy and survival. Through gene expression analyses and cell type abundance estimation in GBMs, we showed that genes associated with the endolysosomal machinery are more prominently featured in non-tumor cells in GBMs than in tumor cells, and that tumor-associated macrophages represent the primary immune cell type that contributes to this trend. Further analyses found an enrichment of endolysosomal pathway genes in immunosuppressive (pro-tumorigenic) macrophages, such as M2-like macrophages or those associated with worse prognosis in glioma patients, but not in those linked to inflammation (anti-tumorigenic). Specifically, genes critical to the hydrolysis function of endolysosomes, including progranulin and cathepsins, were among the most positively correlated with immunosuppressive macrophages, and elevated expression of these genes is associated with worse patient survival in GBMs. Together, these results implicate the hydrolysis function of endolysosomes in shaping the immunosuppressive microenvironment of GBM. We propose that targeting endolysosomes, in addition to its detrimental effects on tumor cells, can be leveraged for modulating immunosuppression to render GBMs more amenable to immunotherapies.

Host-functionalization of macrin nanoparticles to enable drug loading and control tumor-associated macrophage phenotype

Macrophages are critical regulators of the tumor microenvironment and often present an immuno-suppressive phenotype, supporting tumor growth and immune evasion. Promoting a robust pro-inflammatory macrophage phenotype has emerged as a therapeutic modality that supports tumor clearance, including through synergy with immune checkpoint therapies. Polyglucose nanoparticles (macrins), which possess high macrophage affinity, are useful vehicles for delivering drugs to macrophages, potentially altering their phenotype. Here, we examine the potential of functionalized macrins, synthesized by crosslinking carboxymethyl dextran with L-lysine, as effective carriers of immuno-stimulatory drugs to tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Azide groups incorporated during particle synthesis provided a handle for click-coupling of propargyl-modified β-cyclodextrin to macrins under mild conditions. Fluorescence-based competitive binding assays revealed the ability of β-cyclodextrin to non-covalently bind to hydrophobic immuno-stimulatory drug candidates (Keq ~ 103 M-1), enabling drug loading within nanoparticles. Furthermore, transcriptional profiles of macrophages indicated robust pro-inflammatory reprogramming (elevated Nos2 and Il12; suppressed Arg1 and Mrc1 expression levels) for a subset of these immuno-stimulatory agents (UNC2025 and R848). Loading of R848 into the modified macrins improved the drug's effect on primary murine macrophages by three-fold in vitro. Intravital microscopy in IL-12-eYFP reporter mice (24 h post-injection) revealed a two-fold enhancement in mean YFP fluorescence intensity in macrophages targeted with R848-loaded macrins, relative to vehicle controls, validating the desired pro-inflammatory reprogramming of TAMs in vivo by cell-targeted drug delivery. Finally, in an intradermal MC38 tumor model, cyclodextrin-modified macrin NPs loaded with immunostimulatory drugs significantly reduced tumor growth. Therefore, efficient and effective repolarization of tumor-associated macrophages to an M1-like phenotype-via drug-loaded macrins-inhibits tumor growth and may be useful as an adjuvant to existing immune checkpoint therapies.

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.

The spatiotemporal journey of nanomedicines in solid tumors on their therapeutic efficacy

The rapid development of nanomedicines is revolutionizing the landscape of cancer treatment, while effectively delivering them into solid tumors remains a formidable challenge. Currently, there is a huge disconnect on therapeutic response between regulatory approved nanomedicines and laboratory reported nanoparticles. The discrepancy is mainly resulted from the failure of using the classic overall pharmacokinetics behaviors of nanomedicines in tumors to predict the antitumor efficacy. Increasing evidence has revealed that the therapeutic efficacy predominantly relies on the intratumoral spatiotemporal distribution of nanomedicines. This review focuses on the spatiotemporal distribution of systemically administered chemotherapeutic nanomedicines in solid tumor. Firstly, the intratumoral biological barriers that regulate the spatiotemporal distribution of nanomedicines are described in detail. Next, the influences on antitumor efficacy caused by the spatial distribution and temporal drug release of nanomedicines are emphatically analyzed. Then, current methodologies for evaluating the spatiotemporal distribution of nanomedicines are summarized. Finally, the advanced strategies to positively modulate the spatiotemporal distribution of nanomedicines for an optimal tumor therapy are comprehensively reviewed.