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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
Production and Targeting of Monovalent Quantum Dots
Published on: October 23, 2014
Bifunctional black phosphorus quantum dots platform: Delivery and remarkable immunotherapy enhancement of STING
Yujun Zhang1, Shijing Wang2, Hyeonji Rha3
1Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Clinical Medical College of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, PR China; Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Medical College, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China; International Joint Research Center for Molecular Science, College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, PR China.
Abstract:
Cancer immunotherapy has been developed to improve therapeutic effects for patients by activating the innate immune stimulator of interferon gene (STING) pathway. However, most patients cannot benefit from this therapy, mainly due to the problems of excessively low immune responses and lack of tumor specificity. Herein, we report a solution to these two problems by developing a bifunctional platform of black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) for STING agonists. Specifically, BPQDs could connect targeted functional groups and regulate surface zeta potential by coordinating metal ions to increase loading (over 5 times) while maintaining high universality (7 STING agonists). The controlled release of STING agonists enabled specific interactions with their proteins, activating the STING pathway and stimulating the secretion release of immunosuppressive factors by phosphorylating TBK1 and IFN-IRF3 and secreting high levels of immunostimulatory cytokines, including IL-6, IFN-α, and IFN-β. Moreover, the immunotherapy was enhanced was enhanced mild photothermal therapy (PTT) of BPQDs platform, producing enough T cells to eliminate tumors and prevent tumor recurrence. This work facilitates further research on targeted delivery of small-molecule immune drugs to enhance the development of clinical immunotherapy.
Insights
This study introduces a novel black phosphorus quantum dot (BPQD) platform that enhances cancer immunotherapy by improving STING pathway activation and tumor specificity. The BPQD platform boosts immune responses and combines with photothermal therapy for effective tumor elimination.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Immunology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Cancer immunotherapy aims to activate the stimulator of interferon gene (STING) pathway for improved therapeutic outcomes.
- Current limitations include insufficient immune responses and lack of tumor specificity, hindering patient benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a bifunctional black phosphorus quantum dot (BPQD) platform to address low immune response and tumor specificity issues in STING pathway-based cancer immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Engineered BPQDs to coordinate metal ions, enhancing STING agonist loading and regulating surface zeta potential.
- Investigated controlled release of STING agonists for specific protein interactions and STING pathway activation.
- Combined BPQD-mediated immunotherapy with mild photothermal therapy (PTT).
Main Results:
- Achieved over 5-fold increase in STING agonist loading with high universality (7 agonists).
- Demonstrated successful activation of the STING pathway, leading to phosphorylation of TBK1 and IFN-IRF3.
- Observed secretion of immunostimulatory cytokines (IL-6, IFN-α, IFN-β) and elimination of immunosuppressive factors.
- Enhanced immunotherapy via PTT, generating sufficient T cells to eradicate tumors and prevent recurrence.
Conclusions:
- The developed BPQD platform effectively enhances STING pathway activation and tumor-specific immunotherapy.
- The combination of targeted drug delivery, controlled release, and photothermal therapy offers a promising strategy for overcoming current immunotherapy challenges.
- This work paves the way for advanced clinical applications of small-molecule immune drugs in cancer treatment.
