An Ingenious Peroxynitrite Generator Specifically Reversing "Cold" Tumors via Pyroptosis and STING Pathways

Ruipeng Li1, Chuangxin Zhang1, Yunxia Wang1

  • 1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, P. R. China.

PubMed

Insights

This study introduces DBTG, a novel molecule that generates peroxynitrite (ONOO-) to effectively treat tumors. DBTG converts cold tumors into hot tumors by triggering cell death and immune responses.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Peroxynitrite (ONOO-) is a potent reactive nitrogen species with potential for treating "cold" tumors.
  • Challenges in tumor treatment include low in vivo ONOO- generation efficiency and ineffective tumor cell killing.
  • Developing strategies to enhance ONOO- production and induce tumor cell death is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize and evaluate an ingenious ONOO- generator (DBTG) for enhanced anti-tumor efficacy.
  • To investigate DBTG's mechanism in triggering tumor cell death and immune responses.
  • To explore DBTG as a strategy for converting "cold" tumors into "hot" tumors.

Main Methods:

  • Covalent linkage of a reactive oxygen species donor and a nitric oxide donor to create DBTG.
  • Lysosome-targeted delivery of DBTG to tumor cells.
  • In vitro and in vivo experiments to assess ONOO- generation, tumor cell death (pyroptosis), immune cell infiltration, and anti-tumor effects.
  • Evaluation of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon gene (cGAS-STING) pathway activation.

Main Results:

  • DBTG efficiently generates ONOO- in tumor cells, inducing lysosomal membrane permeabilization.
  • DBTG triggers pyroptosis and activates the cGAS-STING pathway, promoting T cell and NK cell infiltration.
  • DBTG demonstrates significant in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor efficacy, converting "cold" tumors to "hot" tumors.
  • DBTG effectively reverses the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.

Conclusions:

  • DBTG serves as an effective ONOO- generator for cancer therapy.
  • DBTG's mechanism involves inducing pyroptosis and activating the cGAS-STING pathway, leading to enhanced anti-tumor immunity.
  • DBTG offers a promising strategy for developing novel anti-cancer drugs and overcoming tumor immunosuppression.