NIR-Actuated Morphodynamic 2D Nanopatches for Interface-Programmed Immunoactivation and Tumor Regression

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Cancer Immunotherapy
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Tumor immunotherapy faces challenges with limited antigen exposure and immunosuppressive microenvironments.
• Precise spatiotemporal control of immunostimulatory effects is crucial for effective cancer treatment.
• Developing advanced platforms for modulating immune responses within the tumor microenvironment is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a light-responsive "dynamic nanopatch" platform for immunoactivation.
• To enable morphology-directed and interface-programmed immune responses against tumors.
• To overcome limitations in current cancer immunotherapy strategies.

Main Methods:

• Constructed a nanopatch from crystalline poly(ε-caprolactone) with photothermal elements.
• Utilized near-infrared (NIR) light to trigger a morphology transition from 2D to 0D.
• Investigated the nanopatch's interaction with cancer cell membranes for antigen release and immune activation.

Main Results:

• The nanopatch demonstrated a NIR-triggered transition from planar to spherical.
• NIR irradiation induced nanopatch adhesion, deformation, and internalization by tumor cells.
• This process enhanced tumor-associated antigen and damage-associated molecular pattern release, initiating immunogenic cell death.
• Activated antigen-presenting cells led to increased adaptive immune engagement and T-cell infiltration.

Conclusions:

• The morphodynamic nanopatch provides a controllable strategy for cancer immunotherapy.
• Interface-programmed functionalities offer a new paradigm for precision medicine.
• This platform has broad implications for biomaterial engineering and therapeutic development.