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Published on: May 22, 2020
Biomineralized OMV-based nanocomposite orchestrates cascade-amplified antitumor immunity via eliciting dual
Yi Wang1,2, Ying Luo1, Wenli Zhang1
1Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Apoptosis resistance, the severely immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), and the self-adaptive survival mechanisms of tumor cells significantly impair the efficacy of tumor therapies, driving us to seek more effective antitumor therapeutics that can induce devastative tumor death modalities. Herein, we present a biomineralized bacterial outer membrane vesicles-based nanocomposite (Gd-ZIF@OMV@DC661) designed to activate pyroptotic dualism while simultaneously blocking the pyroptotic checkpoint. Upon internalization by tumor cells, the nanocomposite undergoes acid-responsive degradation, releasing Zn2+, Gd3+, DC661 (a potent autophagy and lysosomal function inhibitor), and exposing OMVs with pyroptotic performance. Cellular oxidative stress induced by Zn2+ and Gd3+, in conjunction with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) presented by the outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), activates both caspase-1-dependent canonical and caspase-11-dependent non-canonical pyroptotic pathways. To counteract the tumor's adaptive autophagic mechanisms-known as a pyroptotic checkpoint to suppress pyroptosis, the released DC661 inhibited tumor autophagy, deactivated pyroptotic actuators, amplified tumor pyroptosis, and simultaneously induced lysosomal cell death by causing lysosomal lipid peroxidation, thereby inducing robust immunogenic cell death. The consequent release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) facilitates dendritic cell (DC) maturation and T-cell activation, driving a potent adaptive immune response. Furthermore, the presence of Gd³⁺ allows for real-time tumor tracking via T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Overall, this study presents a multifunctional, theranostic nanoplatform that integrates dual pyroptosis, lysosomal cell death, and immune activation, offering a promising strategy for immune-silent solid tumor treatment.
Insights
This study introduces a novel nanocomposite that triggers dual pyroptosis and lysosomal cell death to overcome tumor resistance. This approach enhances immune response and enables real-time tumor imaging for effective cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- Tumor resistance to apoptosis, immunosuppressive microenvironments, and adaptive survival mechanisms limit current cancer therapies.
- Effective antitumor strategies require inducing potent tumor cell death and overcoming immune evasion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a multifunctional theranostic nanoplatform for activating pyroptosis and lysosomal cell death.
- To overcome tumor resistance and enhance immunogenic cell death for immune-silent solid tumors.
Main Methods:
- A biomineralized bacterial outer membrane vesicle-based nanocomposite (Gd-ZIF@OMV@DC661) was designed.
- The nanocomposite was engineered to release Zn²⁺, Gd³⁺, and an autophagy inhibitor (DC661) upon acid-responsive degradation within tumor cells.
- Activation of pyroptosis pathways and lysosomal cell death induction were analyzed, alongside immune response stimulation and MRI tracking.
Main Results:
- The nanocomposite successfully induced dual pyroptosis (canonical and non-canonical) and lysosomal cell death via lipid peroxidation.
- Inhibition of tumor autophagy by DC661 amplified pyroptosis and induced immunogenic cell death, releasing DAMPs and TAAs.
- The nanoplatform facilitated DC maturation and T-cell activation, demonstrating a potent adaptive immune response and enabling T1-weighted MRI tumor tracking.
Conclusions:
- The Gd-ZIF@OMV@DC661 nanoplatform offers a promising theranostic strategy for treating immune-silent solid tumors.
- This approach effectively combines pyroptosis, lysosomal cell death, and immune activation for enhanced antitumor efficacy.
- The theranostic capabilities allow for integrated treatment and real-time monitoring of tumor progression.
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