Lentinan-based pH-responsive nanoparticles achieve the combination therapy of tumors

Cancer poses a significant threat to human health, and there is an urgent need for more effective treatments. Combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy is an effective strategy to enhance curative outcomes and holds great potential for widespread application. The natural phytochemical genistein (GEN) exhibits cytotoxicity against tumors and is a potential chemotherapeutic agent. Lentinan (LTN) is a natural polysaccharide with immune-enhancing properties that has been utilized in tumor treatment. This study constructed a pH-responsive nanoparticle GEN@LTN-BDBA with chemotherapy and immunotherapy functions using GEN and LTN. After characterizing the nanoparticles, the molecular mechanism of GEN@LTN-BDBA formation was explored using in silico simulation. GEN@LTN-BDBA can significantly inhibit the proliferation of A549 and HepG2 cells in vitro. The in vivo experiment results demonstrated that treatment with GEN@LTN-BDBA can significantly reduce tumor cell mass and prevent metastasis. In this nanoparticle, GEN induced oxidative stress and apoptosis of tumor cells. Meanwhile, the released LTN initiated an anti-tumor immune response by promoting dendritic cell (DC) maturation and upregulating the expression of costimulatory molecules and major histocompatibility complex. The construction method of GEN@LTN-BDBA can be extended to the preparation of other polysaccharides and hydrophobic chemotherapy molecules, offering a novel strategy to enhance the efficacy of monotherapy.