Light-activated hypoxia-sensitive biomimetic decoy efficiently cascading photodynamic-chemo therapy for breast cancer

The hypoxic microenvironment within the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer imposes a challenge in overcoming chemotherapy resistance. In this investigation, we designed a novel strategy utilizing a light-controlled cascade targeting nanomedicine specifically tailored for enhanced immune therapy of breast cancer. Albumin nanoparticle was achieved by crosslinking, followed by loading TPZ and Ce6, and subsequent modification to enable selective binding with CD44 hyaluronic acid to form nanomedicine. Encouragingly, it was demonstrated the remarkable ability of the nanomedicine to effectively internalize into cellular entities, thereby inducing apoptosis in 4T1 cells efficiently in vitro when exposed to light irradiation. In vivo assessments showcased the exceptional aptitude of the nanomedicine not only for preferential accumulation within tumor tissues, but also for substantial suppression of tumor growth. Immune mechanisms have shown that nanomedicine treatment promoted the maturation of DCs in vivo, enhanced the proportion of CD8⁺ T cells in the spleen and tumor, and simultaneously upregulated the ratio of M1 macrophages favorable for anti-tumor effects. These outcomes collectively advance a fresh perspective for the clinical breast cancer therapy.