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Published on: February 3, 2021
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.
Abstract:
Drug resistance remains a significant challenge in cancer therapy, and current strategies typically involve the use of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitors. Unfortunately, the rigid surface of drug-resistant cancer cell membranes and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment severely limit the therapeutic efficacy. Here, we report a novel nanoparticle platform named DOX@CM@M, which can efficiently reverse tumor resistance through cholesterol depletion, while robustly enhancing antitumor effects by activating innate immunity. The platform utilizes Fe/Mn hybrid metal-organic frameworks (MOF) to encapsulate doxorubicin (DOX) and cholesterol oxidase (COD), and further modifies with the cancer cell membrane (CCM) to enhance tumor targeting. The acidic and GSH-rich environment within tumor cells provides the possibility of responsive degradation. Based on the release of the natural enzyme COD and the peroxidase-like properties of Fe3+/Mn2+, cholesterol is effectively depleted in a "turning foe into friend" manner, promoting the effective accumulation of the chemotherapy model drug DOX and reversing tumor resistance. Notably, the activation of the cGAS-STING pathway by DOX can be further amplified by Mn2+, synergistically enhancing the innate immune response. In vivo results demonstrate that DOX@CM@M nanoparticles (NPs) significantly inhibit tumor growth, reduce cholesterol content, and promote DC maturation, providing a new approach to reversing tumor resistance.
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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