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Published on: February 20, 2015
Tumour-derived microparticles obtained through microwave irradiation induce immunogenic cell death in lung
Yali Wu1,2,3, Wenjuan Chen1,2,3, Jingjing Deng1,2,3
1Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Major Respiratory Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Abstract:
Tumour-derived microparticles (TMPs), extracellular vesicles traditionally obtained upon ultraviolet (UV) radiation of tumour cells, hold promise in tumour immunotherapies and vaccines and have demonstrated potential as drug delivery systems for tumour treatment. However, concerns remain regarding the limited efficacy and safety of UV-derived TMPs. Here we introduce a microwave (MW)-assisted method for preparing TMPs, termed MW-TMPs. Brief exposure of tumour cells to short-wavelength MW radiation promotes the release of TMPs showing superior in vivo antitumour activity and safety compared with UV-TMPs. MW-TMPs induce immunogenic cell death and reprogramme suppressive tumour immune microenvironments in different lung tumour models, enabling dual targeting of tumour cells by natural killer and T cells. We show that they can efficiently deliver methotrexate to tumours, synergistically boosting the efficacy of PD-L1 blockade. This MW-TMP development strategy is simpler, more efficient and safer than traditional UV-TMP methods.
Insights
Microwave-assisted tumour-derived microparticles (MW-TMPs) offer a safer and more effective alternative to UV-derived TMPs for cancer immunotherapy and drug delivery. These novel MW-TMPs demonstrate superior in vivo antitumour activity and enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Immunotherapy
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Tumour-derived microparticles (TMPs) are extracellular vesicles with therapeutic potential in cancer immunotherapy and drug delivery.
- Traditional methods using ultraviolet (UV) radiation to obtain TMPs face limitations in efficacy and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, safer, and more efficient method for preparing TMPs using microwave (MW) assistance.
- To evaluate the in vivo antitumour activity and safety of MW-assisted TMPs (MW-TMPs) compared to UV-derived TMPs.
Main Methods:
- Tumour cells were exposed to short-wavelength microwave (MW) radiation to generate MW-TMPs.
- In vivo antitumour activity, immunogenic cell death induction, and immune microenvironment reprogramming were assessed in lung tumour models.
- The efficacy of MW-TMPs in delivering methotrexate and synergizing with PD-L1 blockade was investigated.
Main Results:
- MW-TMPs exhibited superior in vivo antitumour activity and safety compared to UV-TMPs.
- MW-TMPs induced immunogenic cell death and reprogrammed suppressive tumour immune microenvironments.
- MW-TMPs demonstrated efficient delivery of methotrexate, enhancing PD-L1 blockade efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Microwave-assisted preparation offers a simpler, more efficient, and safer method for generating TMPs.
- MW-TMPs hold significant promise for advancing tumour immunotherapy, vaccines, and drug delivery systems.

