Sonosensitizer nanoplatform-mediated sonodynamic therapy induced immunogenic cell death and tumor immune

Jing Zheng1, Yixuan Sun1, Tengfei Long1

  • 1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.

Drug Delivery
|April 8, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Sonodynamic therapy using targeted nanoparticles effectively triggers ovarian cancer cell death. This approach enhances anti-tumor immunity by promoting dendritic cell maturation and T cell infiltration, offering a promising new treatment strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Oncology
  • Nanomedicine

Background:

  • Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) presents a significant challenge due to treatment resistance and recurrence.
  • Current therapies for EOC often lack efficacy, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is an emerging modality with potential for targeted cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of folate receptor-targeted, ultrasound-responsive nanoparticles (IRO@FA NPs) in treating ovarian cancer.
  • To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of SDT-induced anti-tumor effects, including immune response modulation.
  • To evaluate the potential of IRO@FA NPs in combination with ultrasound for ovarian cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Construction of folate receptor-targeted and ultrasound-responsive nanoparticles (IRO@FA NPs) incorporating a sonosensitizer (IR780) and oxygen-carrier (PFH).
  • Assessment of IRO@FA NP-mediated SDT effects on ovarian cancer cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo using a C57/BL6 mouse model.
  • Analysis of immune cell populations (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ T cells, dendritic cells) and immunogenic cell death (ICD) markers via immunochemistry and flow cytometry.

Main Results:

  • IRO@FA NP-mediated SDT significantly promoted apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo.
  • SDT treatment led to an upregulation of CD3+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and inflammatory markers within tumor tissues.
  • IRO@FA NP-mediated SDT induced dendritic cell maturation and enhanced T lymphocyte infiltration by triggering ICD in ovarian cancer cells.

Conclusions:

  • Folate receptor-targeted nanoparticles combined with ultrasound-triggered SDT demonstrate potent anti-tumor activity against epithelial ovarian cancer.
  • This therapeutic approach modulates the tumor microenvironment by enhancing anti-tumor immunity through ICD induction.
  • IRO@FA NP-mediated SDT represents a promising strategy for overcoming treatment resistance and recurrence in ovarian cancer.

Related Concept Videos