Enhancing antigen presentation in cancer stem cells via peptide-based nanoparticles for effective immunotherapy

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells with the capacity for self-renewal and therapy resistance. The downregulation of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules, which affects antigen presentation and is a crucial immune evasion mechanism utilized by CSCs, results in their resistance to immunotherapy. Here, we developed an amphiphilic peptide-based nanoparticle, named Smac-D1@Taz, with the PD-L1 antagonist ^DPPA-1 constituting the hydrophilic segment and the Smac peptide, known to enhance radiosensitivity, forming the hydrophobic portion. Tazemetostat (Taz), a small molecule capable of upregulating MHC-I expression in CSCs, was encapsulated in the nanoparticle core during self-assembly. Upon intravenous administration, Smac-D1@Taz exhibited preferential accumulation at the tumor site. The matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) overexpressed in the tumor environment triggers the disassembly of the nanoparticle. The released Smac peptide enhances the radiosensitivity of tumor cells, while the PD-L1 antagonist ^DPPA-1 restores the function of T cells. Meanwhile, Taz upregulates MHC-I expression and enhances antigen presentation on CSCs, promoting their recognition and elimination by T cells. The results showed that Smac-D1@Taz significantly inhibited tumor progression and reduced the risk of postoperative recurrence and metastasis. This study offers an effective strategy to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy against CSCs, leading to improved cancer treatment outcomes.