Engineering Dual-Responsive Prodrug-MOFs as Immunogenic Cell Death Initiator for Enhancing Cancer Immunotherapy

Xiaochun Hu1,2, Ruihao Li1, Jie Liu1

  • 1Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Department of Comprehensive Cancer Therapy, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P. R. China.

PubMed

Insights

This study introduces a novel dual-responsive nanoplatform (PCu-HA-DQ) that targets tumors and enhances anticancer therapy. It effectively induces cancer cell death and boosts the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Cancer Therapy

Background:

  • Disulfiram shows anticancer potential but faces limitations like copper dependence, instability, and poor cancer cell selectivity.
  • Existing nanoplatforms require improvement for targeted delivery and combination therapies in cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a dual-responsive nanoplatform (PCu-HA-DQ) for targeted cancer therapy and enhanced immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) efficacy.
  • To overcome disulfiram's limitations by creating a system that releases active compounds specifically within tumors.

Main Methods:

  • Constructed a nanoplatform by encapsulating disulfiram prodrug (DQ) in copper-doped metal-organic frameworks (PCu MOFs) and modifying with hyaluronic acid (HA).
  • Utilized CD-44 receptor targeting for tumor accumulation and magnetic resonance imaging guidance.
  • Investigated dual-responsive release of DQ triggered by phosphate and hydrogen peroxide, leading to in situ generation of Cu(DTC)2.

Main Results:

  • PCu-HA-DQ demonstrated effective tumor targeting and accumulation via CD-44 receptor interaction.
  • The nanoplatform successfully induced apoptosis and immunogenic cell death (ICD) in tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo.
  • Combined therapy with anti-programmed death-1 antibody significantly enhanced ICI efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • The developed dual-responsive nanoplatform offers a promising strategy for integrated tumor-targeted therapy and multi-modal treatment.
  • PCu-HA-DQ acts as an effective ICD inducer, highlighting its potential to enhance systemic antitumor immunity and ICI effectiveness.

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