Bacterial Outer Membrane Vesicles Loaded with Perhexiline Suppress Tumor Development by Regulating Tumor-Associated

Shoujin Jiang1, Wei Fu1, Sijia Wang1

  • 1School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.

Insights

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) carrying perhexiline reprogram tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) from M2-like to M1-like phenotypes. This OMV@Perhx strategy enhances anti-tumor activity by promoting apoptosis and inhibiting tumor cell migration.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are crucial for tumor progression and metastasis.
  • TAMs, predominantly M2-like, can be reprogrammed into anti-tumoral M1-like phenotypes.
  • Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) offer potential as drug carriers and immunomodulators.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of OMVs from Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 loaded with perhexiline (OMV@Perhx) in repolarizing TAMs.
  • To evaluate the anti-tumor effects of OMV@Perhx-mediated TAM repolarization.

Main Methods:

  • Macrophages were treated with OMV@Perhx to induce TAM repolarization.
  • The impact of repolarized macrophages on tumor cell apoptosis, invasion, and migration was assessed.
  • Synergistic anti-tumor effects of combined OMVs and perhexiline were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • OMV@Perhx effectively repolarized M2-like TAMs to M1-like phenotypes.
  • Repolarized macrophages significantly promoted tumor cell apoptosis.
  • Tumor cell invasion and migration were inhibited by the repolarized macrophages.

Conclusions:

  • OMVs enhance perhexiline efficacy, acting as a novel drug carrier and immunomodulator.
  • Combined OMV and perhexiline treatment exhibits potent synergistic anti-tumor effects.
  • This approach holds promise for developing new cancer therapies by leveraging OMVs and chemical drugs.