Genetically engineered GSDME vesicle coated nanoparticle for immune activating and pyroptosis inducing synergetic

Fenglin Miao1,2,3,4, Zhao Wang1,3,4, Qing Wang3

  • 1Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.

Materials Today. Bio
|September 15, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This study introduces a novel nanoparticle therapy that enhances pyroptosis (programmed cell death) in fibrosarcoma tumors. This approach boosts anti-tumor immunity and effectively clears cancer, preventing recurrence.

Area of Science:

  • Nanomedicine
  • Cancer immunotherapy
  • Molecular oncology

Background:

  • Fibrosarcoma exhibits high malignancy, recurrence rates, and limited treatment efficacy.
  • Inducing pyroptosis via gasdermin E (GSDME) shows therapeutic promise but is hindered by poor immune cell infiltration.
  • Activating anti-tumor immunity alongside pyroptosis is crucial for effective fibrosarcoma treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a genetically engineered nanoparticle (HV-FI) for enhanced fibrosarcoma pyroptosis and immune activation.
  • To investigate the synergistic effects of GSDME-mediated pyroptosis and immune response in fibrosarcoma.
  • To establish a novel nanotherapy for treating unresectable fibrosarcoma.

Main Methods:

  • Construction of GSDME-displaying vesicles from engineered fibrosarcoma cells.
  • Preparation of HV-FI nanoparticles by hybridizing red blood cell membranes with ICG-loaded mesoporous Fe3O4 nanoparticles.
  • In vitro and in vivo evaluation of HV-FI for inducing pyroptosis, immune activation, and anti-tumor effects.

Main Results:

  • HV-FI effectively induced fibrosarcoma cell pyroptosis and released damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs).
  • NIR irradiation enhanced pyroptosis and activated dendritic cells, leading to increased cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) infiltration.
  • The combined pyroptosis and immune activation resulted in significant tumor clearance and established immunological memory.

Conclusions:

  • The developed GSDME-displaying nanoparticle (HV-FI) effectively treats fibrosarcoma by synergistically enhancing pyroptosis and anti-tumor immunity.
  • This nanotherapy overcomes limitations of traditional treatments by rebuilding the positive feedback loop between pyroptosis and anti-tumor immunity.
  • HV-FI represents a promising therapeutic strategy for unresectable fibrosarcoma, offering potential for preventing tumor recurrence.

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