Engineered Magnetic Resonance Nanoprobes for Visualizing Tumor Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 Level and Enhancing

Xiao Sun1,2, Yufang Gong1, Haiyan Ge1

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, China.

ACS Nano
|October 7, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This study introduces a novel nanoplatform for visualizing tumor programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression using MRI. The platform enhances radiotherapy and immunotherapy by targeting PD-L1, offering a promising approach for cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Tumor programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression is a key target for cancer therapy and imaging.
  • Current methods for visualizing PD-L1 expression and therapeutic targeting are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a novel nanoplatform for simultaneous visualization of PD-L1 expression and synergistic cancer therapy.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of the nanoplatform in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and combined radio-immunotherapy.

Main Methods:

  • Construction of a gadolinium-hybridized platinum nanoplatform functionalized with PD-L1-antagonistic affibody (ZPD-L1), termed GPPZ.
  • Utilizing GPPZ for targeted MRI visualization of PD-L1 expression in tumors.
  • Assessing GPPZ's catalytic activities for radiotherapy sensitization and immunogenic cell death induction.
  • Evaluating GPPZ's role in enhancing tumor immunotherapy by inhibiting PD-1/PD-L1 interactions.

Main Results:

  • GPPZ demonstrated efficient PD-L1 targeting and enabled MRI visualization of PD-L1 expression in tumors.
  • The nanoplatform catalyzed oxygen and hydroxyl radical production, sensitizing radiotherapy and enhancing immunogenic cell death.
  • GPPZ effectively inhibited T cell immune suppression, boosting immunotherapy.
  • Systemic delivery of GPPZ showed no significant side effects in histological and hematological examinations.

Conclusions:

  • The developed GPPZ nanoplatform shows significant promise for enhanced MRI visualization of tumor PD-L1 levels.
  • GPPZ offers a synergistic approach for combined radio-immunotherapy, improving cancer treatment strategies.

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