Simultaneous Cholesterol Reduction and cGAS-STING Pathway Amplification: A Novel Enzyme Cascade Strategy against

Chenxin Liu1, Jialing Guo1, Jieke Zhang1

  • 1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Road, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.

Insights

This study introduces DOX@CM@M nanoparticles to overcome cancer drug resistance by depleting cholesterol and activating innate immunity. This novel approach enhances chemotherapy efficacy and boosts antitumor immune responses for improved cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Cancer Therapy

Background:

  • Drug resistance in cancer therapy is a major challenge, often involving P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitors.
  • Tumor cell membrane rigidity and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment limit current treatment efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a novel nanoparticle platform (DOX@CM@M) to reverse tumor resistance and enhance antitumor effects.
  • To investigate cholesterol depletion and innate immune activation as mechanisms for improved cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized Fe/Mn hybrid metal-organic frameworks (MOF) to encapsulate doxorubicin (DOX) and cholesterol oxidase (COD).
  • Modified nanoparticles with cancer cell membranes (CCM) for enhanced tumor targeting.
  • Leveraged the acidic and GSH-rich tumor environment for responsive nanoparticle degradation.

Main Results:

  • DOX@CM@M nanoparticles effectively depleted cholesterol, promoting DOX accumulation and reversing drug resistance.
  • Activated the cGAS-STING pathway, amplified by Mn2+, enhancing innate immune response.
  • Demonstrated significant tumor growth inhibition, reduced cholesterol levels, and promoted DC maturation in vivo.

Conclusions:

  • DOX@CM@M nanoparticles offer a promising strategy for overcoming cancer drug resistance.
  • Cholesterol depletion and immune activation synergistically enhance therapeutic outcomes.
  • This platform presents a novel approach for improving cancer treatment efficacy.

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