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Updated: Nov 3, 2025
Experimental Melanoma Immunotherapy Model Using Tumor Vaccination with a Hematopoietic Cytokine
Published on: February 24, 2023
Engineering Cell Membrane-Based Nanovesicles for Melanoma Tumor Treatment
Shengchang Xin1, Yingyi Wu2, Zhijie Huang3
1State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University Nanjing 210093, Jiangsu, PR China.
Abstract:
Malignant melanoma has a poor prognosis because of its strong ability to invade tissues and metastasize. Immune checkpoint blockades significantly improve the clinical response in the development of melanoma. However, there are some obstacles to overcome, such as cost and limited application. Therefore, prospective approaches remain to be exploited. We designed cellular nanovesicles (NVs) expressing PD-1 to reactivate T cells by disrupting the PD-1/PD-L1 immunoinhibitory pathway. Furthermore, siNF90 was wrapped into PD-1 NVs to inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells. Such a dual target effect is helpful for the treatment of melanoma. In addition, our results showed that treatment with PD-1 @siNF90 NVs inhibited the growth of melanoma tumors and extended the survival time of mice, exhibiting a better effect than PD-1 NVs alone. The data also verified that the percentage of CD8+ T cells in tumors was highest after PD-1 @siNF90 NVs treatment. To sum up, PD-1 @siNF90 NVs could serve as safe and effective blockers in the treatment of melanoma.
Insights
Engineered nanovesicles targeting both PD-1 and tumor cells show promise for melanoma treatment. These dual-action nanovesicles effectively inhibit tumor growth and enhance anti-tumor immunity in preclinical models.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Malignant melanoma is aggressive, with poor prognosis due to invasion and metastasis.
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors improve melanoma treatment but face cost and application limitations.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to overcome current treatment challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop dual-target nanovesicles (NVs) for enhanced melanoma therapy.
- To reactivate T cells by blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway.
- To inhibit tumor cell proliferation using encapsulated siNF90.
Main Methods:
- Designed cellular nanovesicles (NVs) expressing PD-1.
- Encapsulated siNF90 within PD-1 NVs (PD-1 @siNF90 NVs).
- Evaluated therapeutic efficacy in melanoma models, assessing tumor growth, survival, and immune cell infiltration.
Main Results:
- PD-1 @siNF90 NVs inhibited melanoma tumor growth more effectively than PD-1 NVs alone.
- Treatment with PD-1 @siNF90 NVs significantly extended survival time in mice.
- The percentage of CD8+ T cells within tumors was highest following PD-1 @siNF90 NVs treatment, indicating enhanced immune response.
Conclusions:
- PD-1 @siNF90 NVs demonstrate a dual-target therapeutic effect for melanoma.
- This novel nanovesicle system shows potential as a safe and effective treatment for melanoma.
- The approach enhances anti-tumor immunity by combining immune checkpoint blockade with direct tumor cell inhibition.
