Antiglioma via regulating oxidative stress and remodeling tumor-associated macrophage using lactoferrin-mediated biomimetic codelivery of simvastatin/fenretinide

Recent advances in biomimetic strategies for the immunotherapy of glioblastoma

Immunotherapy is regarded as one of the most promising approaches for treating tumors, with a multitude of immunotherapeutic thoughts currently under consideration for the lethal glioblastoma (GBM). However, issues with immunotherapeutic agents, such as limited in vivo stability, poor blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration, insufficient GBM targeting, and represented monotherapy, have hindered the success of immunotherapeutic interventions. Moreover, even with the aid of conventional drug delivery systems, outcomes remain suboptimal. Biomimetic strategies seek to overcome these formidable drug delivery challenges by emulating nature's intelligent structures and functions. Leveraging the variety of biological structures and functions, biomimetic drug delivery systems afford a versatile platform with enhanced biocompatibility for the co-delivery of diverse immunotherapeutic agents. Moreover, their inherent capacity to traverse the BBB and home in on GBM holds promise for augmenting the efficacy of GBM immunotherapy. Thus, this review begins by revisiting the various thoughts and agents on immunotherapy for GBM. Then, the barriers to successful GBM immunotherapy are analyzed, and the corresponding biomimetic strategies are explored from the perspective of function and structure. Finally, the clinical translation's current state and prospects of biomimetic strategy are addressed. This review aspires to provide fresh perspectives on the advancement of immunotherapy for GBM.

Insights of immune cell heterogeneity, tumor-initiated subtype transformation, drug resistance, treatment and detecting technologies in glioma microenvironment

BACKGROUND

With the gradual understanding of glioma development and the immune microenvironment, many immune cells have been discovered. Despite the growing comprehension of immune cell functions and the clinical application of immunotherapy, the precise roles and characteristics of immune cell subtypes, how glioma induces subtype transformation of immune cells and its impact on glioma progression have yet to be understood.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

In this review, we comprehensively center on the four major immune cells within the glioma microenvironment, particularly neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and other significant immune cells. We discuss (1) immune cell subtype markers, (2) glioma-induced immune cell subtype transformation, (3) the mechanisms of each subtype influencing chemotherapy resistance, (4) therapies targeting immune cells, and (5) immune cell-associated single-cell sequencing. Eventually, we identified the characteristics of immune cell subtypes in glioma, comprehensively summarized the exact mechanism of glioma-induced immune cell subtype transformation, and concluded the progress of single-cell sequencing in exploring immune cell subtypes in glioma.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

In conclusion, we have analyzed the mechanism of chemotherapy resistance detailly, and have discovered prospective immunotherapy targets, excavating the potential of novel immunotherapies approach that synergistically combines radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery, thereby paving the way for improved immunotherapeutic strategies against glioma and enhanced patient outcomes.

Nanomaterials-Involved Tumor-Associated Macrophages' Reprogramming for Antitumor Therapy

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play pivotal roles in tumor development. As primary contents of tumor environment (TME), TAMs secrete inflammation-related substances to regulate tumoral occurrence and development. There are two kinds of TAMs: the tumoricidal M1-like TAMs and protumoral M2-like TAMs. Reprogramming TAMs from immunosuppressive M2 to immunocompetent M1 phenotype is considered a feasible way to improve immunotherapeutic efficiency. Notably, nanomaterials show great potential for biomedical fields due to their controllable structures and properties. There are many types of nanomaterials that exhibit great regulatory activities for TAMs' reprogramming. In this review, the recent progress of nanomaterials-involved TAMs' reprogramming is comprehensively discussed. The various nanomaterials for TAMs' reprogramming and the reprogramming strategies are summarized and introduced. Additionally, the challenges and perspectives of TAMs' reprogramming for efficient therapy are discussed, aiming to provide inspiration for TAMs' regulator design and promote the development of TAMs-mediated immunotherapy.

Efficacy and Mechanism of a Biomimetic Nanosystem Carrying Doxorubicin and an IDO Inhibitor for Treatment of Advanced Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Introduction

Chemotherapy is still the treatment of choice for advanced triple-negative breast cancer. Chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy is being tried in patients with triple-negative breast cancer. As a kind of "cold tumor", triple-negative breast cancer has a bottleneck in immunotherapy. Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase-1 inhibitors can reverse the immunosuppressive state and enhance the immune response.

Methods

In this study, mesoporous silica nanoparticles were coated with the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin and indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 inhibitor 1-Methyl-DL-tryptophan (1-MT), and then encapsulate the surfaces of a triple-negative breast cancer cell membrane to construct the tumor dual-targeted delivery system CDIMSN for chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and to investigate the immunogenic death effect of CDIMSN.

Results and discussion

The CDIMSN could target the tumor microenvironment. Doxorubicin induced tumor immunogenic death, while 1-MT reversed immunosuppression. In vivo findings showed that the tumor size in the CDIMSN group was 2.66-fold and 1.56-fold smaller than that in DOX and DIMSN groups, respectively. CDIMSN group was better than naked DIMSN in stimulating CD8+T cells, CD4+T cells and promoting Dendritic Cells(DC) maturation. In addition, blood analysis, biochemical analysis and Hematoxylin staining analysis of mice showed that the bionic nanoparticles had good biological safety.

Examining the function of macrophage oxidative stress response and immune system in glioblastoma multiforme through analysis of single-cell transcriptomics

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM), a prevalent malignant neoplasm within the neuro-oncological domain, has been a subject of considerable scrutiny. Macrophages, serving as the principal immunological constituents, profoundly infiltrate the microenvironment of GBM. However, investigations elucidating the intricate immunological mechanisms governing macrophage involvement in GBM at the single-cell level remain notably limited.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive investigation employing single-cell analysis, aiming to redefine the intricate cellular landscape within both the core and peripheral regions of GBM tumors. Our analytical focus extended to the profound study of macrophages, elucidating their roles within the context of oxidative stress, intercellular information exchange, and cellular trajectories concerning GBM and its assorted subpopulations. We pursued the identification of GBM prognostic genes intricately associated with macrophages. Utilizing experimental research to investigate the relevance of MANBA in the context of GBM.

Results

Our investigations have illuminated the central role of macrophages in the intricate interplay among various subpopulations within the GBM microenvironment. Notably, we observed a pronounced intensity of oxidative stress responses within macrophages when compared to their GBM counterparts in other subpopulations. Moreover, macrophages orchestrated intricate cellular communication networks, facilitated by the SPP1-CD44 axis, both internally and with neighboring subpopulations. These findings collectively suggest the potential for macrophage polarization from an M1 to an M2 phenotype, contributing to immune suppression within the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, our exploration unearthed GBM prognostic genes closely associated with macrophages, most notably MANBA and TCF12. Remarkably, MANBA appears to participate in the modulation of neuroimmune functionality by exerting inhibitory effects on M1-polarized macrophages, thereby fostering tumor progression. To bolster these assertions, experimental validations unequivocally affirmed the promotional impact of MANBA on GBM, elucidated through its capacity to curb cell proliferation, invasiveness, and metastatic potential.

Conclusion

These revelations represent a pivotal step towards unraveling the intricate immunological mechanisms governing the interactions between macrophages and diverse subpopulations within the GBM milieu. Furthermore, they lay the foundation for the development of an innovative GBM prognostic model, with MANBA at its epicenter, and underscore the potential for novel immunotherapeutic targets in the ongoing pursuit of enhanced treatment modalities for this formidable malignancy.

Lactoferrin-Modified Gambogic Acid Liposomes for Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy is a big challenge, and seeking an effective and safe drug is a pressing clinical need. Gambogic acid is a potent antineoplastic agent without the drawback of bone marrow suppression. To improve its druggability (e.g., poor water solubility and tumor delivery), a lactoferrin-modified gambogic acid liposomal delivery system (LF-lipo) was developed to enhance the treatment efficacy of CRC. The LF-lipo can specifically bind LRP-1 expressed on colorectal cancer cells to enhance drug delivery to the tumor cells and yield enhanced therapeutic efficacy. The LF-lipo promoted tumor cell apoptosis and autophagy, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in tumor cells, and inhibited angiogenesis; moreover, it could also repolarize tumor-associated macrophages from the M2 to M1 phenotype and induce ICD to activate T cells, exhibiting the capability of remodeling the tumor immune microenvironment. The liposomal formulation yielded an efficient and safe treatment outcome and has potential for clinical translation.

Lipid Metabolic Regulatory Crosstalk Between Cancer Cells and Tumor-Associated Macrophages

In the tumor microenvironment, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are one of the most abundant cell populations, playing key roles in tumorigenesis, chemoresistance, immune evasion, and metastasis. There is an important interaction between TAMs and cancer cells: on the one hand, tumors control the function of infiltrating macrophages, contributing to reprogramming of TAMs, and on the other hand, TAMs affect the growth of cancer cells. This review focuses on lipid metabolism changes in the complex relationship between cancer cells and TAMs. We discuss how lipid metabolism in cancer cells affects macrophage phenotypic and metabolic changes and, subsequently, how altered lipid metabolism of TAMs influences tumor progression. Identifying the metabolic changes that influence the complex interaction between tumor cells and TAMs is also an important step in exploring new therapeutic approaches that target metabolic reprogramming of immune cells to enhance their tumoricidal potential and bypass therapy resistance. Our work may provide new targets for antitumor therapies.

How Nanotherapeutic Platforms Play a Key Role in Glioma? A Comprehensive Review of Literature

Glioblastoma (GBM), a highly aggressive form of brain cancer, is considered one of the deadliest cancers, and even with the most advanced medical treatments, most affected patients have a poor prognosis. However, recent advances in nanotechnology offer promising avenues for the development of versatile therapeutic and diagnostic nanoplatforms that can deliver drugs to brain tumor sites through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Despite these breakthroughs, the use of nanoplatforms in GBM therapy has been a subject of great controversy due to concerns over the biosafety of these nanoplatforms. In recent years, biomimetic nanoplatforms have gained unprecedented attention in the biomedical field. With advantages such as extended circulation times, and improved immune evasion and active targeting compared to conventional nanosystems, bionanoparticles have shown great potential for use in biomedical applications. In this prospective article, we endeavor to comprehensively review the application of bionanomaterials in the treatment of glioma, focusing on the rational design of multifunctional nanoplatforms to facilitate BBB infiltration, promote efficient accumulation in the tumor, enable precise tumor imaging, and achieve remarkable tumor suppression. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges and future trends in this field. Through careful design and optimization of nanoplatforms, researchers are paving the way toward safer and more effective therapies for GBM patients. The development of biomimetic nanoplatform applications for glioma therapy is a promising avenue for precision medicine, which could ultimately improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Prognosis and Immune Landscapes in Glioblastoma Based on Gene-Signature Related to Reactive-Oxygen-Species

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant and aggressive primary brain tumor and is highly resistant to current therapeutic strategies. Previous studies have demonstrated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the regulation of signal transduction and immunosuppressive environment in GBM. To further study the role of ROS in prognosis, tumor micro-environment (TME) and immunotherapeutic response in GBM, an ROS-related nine-gene signature was constructed using the Lasso-Cox regression method and validated using three other datasets in our research, based on the hallmark ROS-pathway-related gene sets and the Cancer Genome Atlas GBM dataset. Differences in prognosis, TME scores, immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint expression levels, and drug sensitivity between high-risk and low-risk subgroups were analyzed using R software. Collectively, our research uncovered a novel ROS-related prognostic model for primary GBM, which could prove to be a potential tool for clinical diagnosis of GBM, and help assess the immune and molecular characteristics of ROS in the tumorigenesis and immunosuppression of GBM. Our research also revealed that the expressions of ROS-related genes-HSPB1, LSP1, and PTX3-were closely related to the cell markers of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and M2 macrophages validated by quantitative RT-PCR, suggesting them could be potential targets of immunotherapy for GBM.

Proteins and their functionalization for finding therapeutic avenues in cancer: Current status and future prospective

Despite the remarkable advancement in the health care sector, cancer remains the second most fatal disease globally. The existing conventional cancer treatments primarily include chemotherapy, which has been associated with little to severe side effects, and radiotherapy, which is usually expensive. To overcome these problems, target-specific nanocarriers have been explored for delivering chemo drugs. However, recent reports on using a few proteins having anticancer activity and further use of them as drug carriers have generated tremendous attention for furthering the research towards cancer therapy. Biomolecules, especially proteins, have emerged as suitable alternatives in cancer treatment due to multiple favourable properties including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and structural flexibility for easy surface functionalization. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have reported that various proteins derived from animal, plant, and bacterial species, demonstrated strong cytotoxic and antiproliferative properties against malignant cells in native and their different structural conformations. Moreover, surface tunable properties of these proteins help to bind a range of anticancer drugs and target ligands, thus making them efficient delivery agents in cancer therapy. Here, we discuss various proteins obtained from common exogenous sources and how they transform into effective anticancer agents. We also comprehensively discuss the tumor-killing mechanisms of different dietary proteins such as bovine α-lactalbumin, hen egg-white lysozyme, and their conjugates. We also articulate how protein nanostructures can be used as carriers for delivering cancer drugs and theranostics, and strategies to be adopted for improving their in vivo delivery and targeting. We further discuss the FDA-approved protein-based anticancer formulations along with those in different phases of clinical trials.

Targeting glycolysis for cancer therapy using drug delivery systems

There is close crosstalk between cancer metabolism and immunity. Cancer metabolism regulation is a promising therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy. Warburg effect is characterized by abnormal glucose metabolism that includes common features of increased glucose uptake and lactate production. The aerobic glycolysis can reprogram the cancer cells and promote the formation of a suppressive immune microenvironment. As a case in point, lactate plays an essential role in tumorigenesis, which is the end product of glycolysis as well as serves as a fuel supporting cancer cell survival. Meanwhile, it is also an important immune regulator that drives immunosuppression in tumors. Immunometabolic therapy is to intervene tumor metabolism and regulate the related metabolites that participate in the innate and acquired immunity, thereby reinstalling the immune balance and eliciting anticancer immune responses. In this contribution to the Orations - New Horizons of the Journal of controlled Release I will provide an overview of glucose metabolism in tumors and its effects on drug resistance and tumor metastasis, and present the advance of glycolysis-targeting therapy strategies with drug delivery techniques, as well as discuss the challenges in glycolysis-targeting immunometabolic therapy.

Targeting tumor-associated macrophages for the immunotherapy of glioblastoma: Navigating the clinical and translational landscape

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) can directly clear tumor cells and enhance the phagocytic ability of immune cells. An abundance of TAMs at the site of the glioblastoma tumor indicates that TAM-targeting immunotherapy could represent a potential form of treatment for this aggressive cancer. Herein, we discuss: i) the dynamic role of TAMs in glioblastoma; ii) describe the formation of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment; iii) summarize the latest clinical trial data that reveal how TAM function can be regulated in favor tumor eradication; and lastly, iv) evaluate the implications of existing and novel translational approaches for treating glioblastoma in clinical practice.

Origin, activation, and targeted therapy of glioma-associated macrophages

The glioma tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in the development, occurrence, and treatment of gliomas. Glioma-associated macrophages (GAMs) are the most widely infiltrated immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and one of the major cell populations that exert immune functions. GAMs typically originate from two cell types-brain-resident microglia (BRM) and bone marrow-derived monocytes (BMDM), depending on a variety of cytokines for recruitment and activation. GAMs mainly contain two functionally and morphologically distinct activation types- classically activated M1 macrophages (antitumor/immunostimulatory) and alternatively activated M2 macrophages (protumor/immunosuppressive). GAMs have been shown to affect multiple biological functions of gliomas, including promoting tumor growth and invasion, angiogenesis, energy metabolism, and treatment resistance. Both M1 and M2 macrophages are highly plastic and can polarize or interconvert under various malignant conditions. As the relationship between GAMs and gliomas has become more apparent, GAMs have long been one of the promising targets for glioma therapy, and many studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of this target. Here, we review the origin and activation of GAMs in gliomas, how they regulate tumor development and response to therapies, and current glioma therapeutic strategies targeting GAMs.

Research Advances of Lactoferrin in Electrostatic Spinning, Nano Self-Assembly, and Immune and Gut Microbiota Regulation

Lactoferrin (LF) is a naturally present iron-binding globulin with the structural properties of an N-lobe strongly positively charged terminus and a cage-like structure of nano self-assembly encapsulation. These unique structural properties give it potential for development in the fields of electrostatic spinning, targeted delivery systems, and the gut-brain axis. This review will provide an overview of LF's unique structure, encapsulation, and targeted transport capabilities, as well as its applications in immunity and gut microbiota regulation. First, the microstructure of LF is summarized and compared with its homologous ferritin, revealing both structural and functional similarities and differences between them. Second, the electrostatic interactions of LF and its application in electrostatic spinning are summarized. Its positive charge properties can be applied to functional environmental protection packaging materials and to improving drug stability and antiviral effects, while electrostatic spinning can promote bone regeneration and anti-inflammatory effects. Then the nano self-assembly behavior of LF is exploited as a cage-like protein to encapsulate bioactive substances to construct functional targeted delivery systems for applications such as contrast agents, antibacterial dressings, anti-cancer therapy, and gene delivery. In addition, some covalent and noncovalent interactions of LF in the Maillard reaction and protein interactions and other topics are briefly discussed. Finally, LF may affect immunological function via controlling the gut microbiota. In conclusion, this paper reviews the research advances of LF in electrostatic spinning, nano self-assembly, and immune and gut microbiota regulation, aiming to provide a reference for its application in the food and pharmaceutical fields.

Improvement of synaptic plasticity by nanoparticles and the related mechanisms: Applications and prospects

Synaptic plasticity is an important basis of learning and memory and participates in brain network remodelling after different types of brain injury (such as that caused by neurodegenerative diseases, cerebral ischaemic injury, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and psychiatric disorders). Therefore, improving synaptic plasticity is particularly important for the treatment of nervous system-related diseases. With the rapid development of nanotechnology, increasing evidence has shown that nanoparticles (NPs) can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in different ways, directly or indirectly act on nerve cells, regulate synaptic plasticity, and ultimately improve nerve function. Therefore, to better elucidate the effect of NPs on synaptic plasticity, we review evidence showing that NPs can improve synaptic plasticity by regulating different influencing factors, such as neurotransmitters, receptors, presynaptic membrane proteins and postsynaptic membrane proteins, and further discuss the possible mechanism by which NPs improve synaptic plasticity. We conclude that NPs can improve synaptic plasticity and restore the function of damaged nerves by inhibiting neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, inducing autophagy, and regulating ion channels on the cell membrane. By reviewing the mechanism by which NPs regulate synaptic plasticity and the applications of NPs for the treatment of neurological diseases, we also propose directions for future research in this field and provide an important reference for follow-up research.

Nanotherapeutic macrophage-based immunotherapy for the peritoneal carcinomatosis of lung cancer

Lung cancer is the top cause of cancer mortality in the world. Distant metastasis leads to high mortality. Abdominal metastasis of lung cancer is characterized by very poor prognosis and the median survival time is usually less than two months. Therefore, it is of clinical significance to develop a new effective method for the treatment of abdominal metastasis of lung cancer. Cell therapy has promoted the development of new technology and strategy in oncology. Macrophages, as an important component of solid tumors, have also attracted great attention as a promising strategy of cell therapy in oncology. However, the reinfusion of autologous macrophages would be easily "re-educated" by the tumor microenvironment into a phenotype that promotes tumor development. This work developed a potential therapy using celastrol nanoparticle-containing M1-like macrophages (NP@M1) as a combinatory therapeutic system. M1-like macrophages (M1Φ) not only can serve as a drug delivery carrier for celastrol but also as a biotherapeutic agent. In turn, the celastrol nanoparticles (NPs) can maintain an anticancer polarized status of M1Φ, and subsequently, the exocytosed NPs can also execute the tumor cell-killing effect. Such a system thus provides a "two-birds-one-stone" therapeutic strategy and a proof of concept for the currently incurable abdominal metastasis of lung cancer.

Metabolism in tumor-associated macrophages

Macrophages functionally adapt to a diverse set of signals, a process that is critical for their role in maintaining or restoring tissue homeostasis. This process extends to cancer, where macrophages respond to a series of inflammatory and metabolic cues that direct a maladaptive healing response. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have altered glucose, amino acid, and lipid metabolic profiles, and interfering with this metabolic shift can blunt the ability of macrophages to promote tumor growth, metastasis, and the creation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Here we will review changes in metabolites and metabolic pathways in TAMs and link these with the phenotypic and functional properties of the cells. We will also discuss current strategies targeting TAM metabolism as a therapeutic intervention in cancer.

Biodegradable mesoporous nanocomposites with dual-targeting function for enhanced anti-tumor therapy

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), the main components of infiltrating leukocytes in tumors, often play a key role in promoting cancer development and progression. The tumor-specific microenvironment forces the phenotype of tumor-infiltrating to evolve in a direction favorable to tumor development, that is, the generation of M2-like TAMs. Consequently, the dual intervention of cancer cells and tumor microenvironment has become a research hotspot in the field of tumor immunotherapy. In this contribution, we developed pH-sensitive mesoporous calcium silicate nanocomposites (MCNs) encapsulated with indocyanine green (ICG) to enable the effective combination of photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) triggered by the 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) light. The mannose and hyaluronic acid-grafted MCNs specifically targeted TAMs and tumor cells and promoted cell apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. This paper revealed that irradiation of ICG loaded MCNs with NIR can produce a potent hyperthermia and induce abundant intracellular singlet oxygen generation in the target cells. These results suggest that the novel nanoplatform is believed to facilitate the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to the tumor microenvironment (TME) to enhance the effects of tumor treatment.

Development of Encapsulation Strategies and Composite Edible Films to Maintain Lactoferrin Bioactivity: A Review

Lactoferrin (LF) is a whey protein with various and valuable biological activities. For this reason, LF has been used as a supplement in formula milk and functional products. However, it must be considered that the properties of LF can be affected by technological treatments and gastrointestinal conditions. In this article, we have revised the literature published on the research done during the last decades on the development of various technologies, such as encapsulation or composite materials, to protect LF and avoid its degradation. Multiple compounds can be used to conduct this protective function, such as proteins, including those from milk, or polysaccharides, like alginate or chitosan. Furthermore, LF can be used as a component in complexes, nanoparticles, hydrogels and emulsions, to encapsulate, protect and deliver other bioactive compounds, such as essential oils or probiotics. Additionally, LF can be part of systems to deliver drugs or to apply certain therapies to target cells expressing LF receptors. These systems also allow improving the detection of gliomas and have also been used for treating some pathologies, such as different types of tumours. Finally, the application of LF in edible and active films can be effective against some contaminants and limit the increase of the natural microbiota present in meat, for example, becoming one of the most interesting research topics in food technology.

Research fronts of Chemical Biology

Over the past decades, researchers have witnessed substantially increasing and ever-growing interests and efforts in Chemical Biology studies, thanks to the development of genome and epi-genome sequencing (revealing potential drug targets), synthetic chemistry (producing new medicines), bioorthogonal chemistry (chemistry in living systems) and high-throughput screening technologies (in vitro cell systems, protein binding assays and phenotypic assays). This report presents literature search results for current research in Chemical Biology, to explore basic principles, summarize recent advances, identify key challenges, and provide suggestions for future research (with a focus on Chemical Biology in the context of human health and diseases). Chemical Biology research can positively contribute to delivering a better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that accompany pathology underlying diseases, as well as developing improved methods for diagnosis, drug discovery, and therapeutic delivery. While much progress has been made, as shown in this report, there are still further needs and opportunities. For instance, pressing challenges still exist in selecting appropriate targets in biological systems and adopting more rational design strategies for the development of innovative and sustainable diagnostic technologies and medical treatments. Therefore, more than ever, researchers from different disciplines need to collaborate to address the challenges in Chemical Biology.

Active targeting of orthotopic glioma using biomimetic liposomes co-loaded elemene and cabazitaxel modified by transferritin

BACKGROUND

Effective treatment of glioma requires a nanocarrier that can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to target the tumor lesion. In the current study, elemene (ELE) and cabazitaxel (CTX) liposomes were prepared by conjugating liposomes with transferrin (Tf) and embedding the cell membrane proteins of RG2 glioma cells into liposomes (active-targeting biomimetic liposomes, Tf-ELE/CTX@BLIP), which exhibited effective BBB infiltration to target glioma.

RESULTS

The findings showed that Tf-ELE/CTX@BLIP was highly stable. The liposomes exhibited highly significant homologous targeting and immune evasion in vitro and a 5.83-fold intake rate compared with classical liposome (ELE/CTX@LIP). Bioluminescence imaging showed increased drug accumulation in the brain and increased tumor penetration of Tf-ELE/CTX@BLIP in orthotopic glioma model nude mice. Findings from in vivo studies indicated that the antitumor effect of the Tf-ELE/CTX@BLIP led to increased survival time and decreased tumor volume in mice. The average tumor fluorescence intensity after intravenous administration of Tf-ELE/CTX@BLIP was 65.2, 12.5, 22.1, 6.6, 2.6, 1.5 times less compared with that of the control, CTX solution, ELE solution, ELE/CTX@LIP, ELE/CTX@BLIP, Tf-ELE/CTX@LIP groups, respectively. Histopathological analysis showed that Tf-ELE/CTX@BLIP were less toxic compared with administration of the CTX solution.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that the active-targeting biomimetic liposome, Tf-ELE/CTX@BLIP, is a promising nanoplatform for delivery of drugs to gliomas.

Remodeling tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) for glioma therapy using multi-targeting liposomal codelivery

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma (GBM) treatment is undermined by the suppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Seek for effective methods for brain TIME modulation is a pressing need. However, there are two major challenges against achieving the goal: first, to screen the effective drugs with TIME-remodeling functions and, second, to develop a brain targeting system for delivering the drugs.

METHODS

In this study, an α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs)-binding peptide ^DCDX was used to modify the codelivery liposomes to achieve a 'three-birds-one-stone' delivery strategy, that is, multi-targeting the glioma vessel endothelium, glioma cells, and tumor-associated macrophages that all overexpressed α7 nAChRs. A brain-targeted liposomal honokiol and disulfiram/copper codelivery system (CDX-LIPO) was developed for combination therapy via regulating mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway for remodeling tumor metabolism and TIME. Honokiol can yield a synergistic effect with disulfiram/copper for anti-GBM.

RESULTS

It was demonstrated that CDX-LIPO remarkably triggered tumor cell autophagy and induced immunogenic cell death, and meanwhile, activated the tumor-infiltrating macrophage and dendritic cells, and primed T and NK (natural killer) cells, resulting in antitumor immunity and tumor regression. Moreover, CDX-LIPO promoted M1-macrophage polarization and facilitated mTOR-mediated reprogramming of glucose metabolism in glioma.

CONCLUSION

This study developed a potential combinatory therapeutic strategy by regulation of TIME and a 'three-birds-one-stone'-like glioma-targeting drug delivery system.

Modulating Repolarization of Tumor-Associated Macrophages with Targeted Therapeutic Nanoparticles as a Potential Strategy for Cancer Therapy

There are always some components in the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), that help tumor cells escape the body's immune surveillance. Therefore, this situation can lead to tumor growth, progression, and metastasis, resulting in low response rates for cancer therapy. Macrophages play an important role with strong plasticity and functional diversity. Facing different microenvironmental stimulations, macrophages undergo a dynamic change in phenotype and function into two major macrophage subpopulations, namely classical activation/inflammation (M1) and alternative activation/regeneration (M2) type. Through various signaling pathways, macrophages polarize into complex groups, which can perform different immune functions. In this review, we emphasize the use of nanopreparations for macrophage related immunotherapy based on the pathological knowledge of TAMs phenotype. These macrophages targeted nanoparticles re-edit and re-educate macrophages by attenuating M2 macrophages and reducing aggregation to the TME, thereby relieving or alleviating immunosuppression. Among them, we describe in detail the cellular mechanisms and regulators of several major signaling pathways involved in the plasticity and polarization functions of macrophages. The advantages and challenges of those nanotherapeutics for these pathways have been elucidated, providing the basis and insights for the diagnosis and treatment strategies of various diseases centered on macrophages.

Biomimetic and cell-based nanocarriers - New strategies for brain tumor targeting

In the last two decades no significant advances were achieved in the treatment of the most frequent and malignant types of brain tumors. The main difficulties in achieving progress are related to the incapacity to deliver drugs in therapeutic amounts into the central nervous system and the associated severe side effects. Indeed, to obtain effective treatments, the drugs should be able to cross the intended biological barriers and not being inactivated before reaching the specific therapeutic target. To overcome these challenges the development of synthetic nanocarriers has been widely explored for brain tumor treatment but unfortunately with no clinical translation until date. The use of cell-derived nanocarriers or biomimetic nanocarriers has been studied in the last few years, considering their innate bio-interfacing properties. The ability to carry therapeutic agents and a higher selectivity towards brain tumors would bring new hope for the development of safe and effective treatments. In this review, we explore the biological barriers that need to be crossed for effective delivery in brain tumors, and the types and properties of cell-based nanocarriers (extracellular vesicles and cell-membrane coated nanocarriers) currently under investigation.

Biomimetic camouflage delivery strategies for cancer therapy

Cancer remains a significant challenge despite the progress in developing different therapeutic approaches. Nanomedicine has been explored as a promising novel cancer therapy. Recently, biomimetic camouflage strategies have been investigated to change the bio-fate of therapeutics and target cancer cells while reducing the unwanted exposure on normal tissues. Endogenous components (e.g., proteins, polysaccharides, and cell membranes) have been used to develop anticancer drug delivery systems. These biomimetic systems can overcome biological barriers and enhance tumor cell-specific uptake. The tumor-targeting mechanisms include ligand-receptor interactions and stimuli-responsive (e.g., pH-sensitive and light-sensitive) delivery. Drug delivery carriers composed of endogenous components represent a promising approach for improving cancer treatment efficacy. In this paper, different biomimetic drug delivery strategies for cancer treatment are reviewed with a focus on the discussion of their advantages and potential applications.

Deformable liposomal codelivery of vorinostat and simvastatin promotes antitumor responses through remodeling tumor microenvironment

The tumor microenvironment (TME) and its major component tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) play a pivotal role in the development of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). An epigenetic drug-based combinatory therapeutic strategy was proposed and a deformable liposome system (D-Lipo) was developed for vorinostat and simvastatin codelivery for remodeling the TME. The application of deformable liposomes in systemic cancer drug delivery has been underexplored and its potential in cancer therapy is largely unknown. This work revealed that D-Lipo exhibited an enhanced intratumor infiltration ability. The proposed therapeutic strategy was characterized by a chemo-free regimen and TME remodeling function. D-Lipo efficiently inhibited the growth of the xenografted lung tumor. The anti-tumor mechanisms involved the repolarization of TAM from the M2 to M1 phenotype, anti-angiogenesis, and the consequent TME remodeling. As a result, the amounts of the anti-tumor M1 macrophages and the cytotoxic CD8+ T cells increased, while the amounts of the pro-tumor M2 macrophages and regulatory T cells (Tregs) reduced. It provides a promising avenue for epigenetic drug-based combination therapy for treating solid tumors.

Targeted graphene oxide for drug delivery as a therapeutic nanoplatform against Parkinson's disease

There has been an exponential increase in the rate of incidence of Parkinson's disease (PD) with aging in the global population. PD, the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, results from damaged dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), along with the deposition of abnormal α-synuclein (α-Syn), and the progressive degeneration of neurons in striatal regions. Despite extensive investigations to understand the pathophysiology of PD to develop effective therapies to restrict its progression, there is currently no cure for PD. Puerarin (Pue) is a natural compound with remarkable anti-PD properties. However, its poor pharmacological properties, including poor water solubility, inadequate bioavailability, and incomplete penetration of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) have restricted its use for the treatment of PD. Nevertheless, advancements in nanotechnology have revealed the potential advantages of targeted drug delivery into the brain to treat PD. Here, we used Pue-loaded graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets, which have an excellent drug-loading ability, modifiable surface functional groups, and good biocompatibility. Then, Pue was transported across the BBB into the brain using lactoferrin (Lf) as the targeting ligand, which could bind to the vascular endothelial receptor on the BBB. In vivo and in vitro results indicated that this multifunctional brain targeted drug delivery system (Lf-GO-Pue) was an effective and safe therapy for PD.

Role of macrophage in nanomedicine-based disease treatment

Macrophages are a major component of the immunoresponse. Diversity and plasticity are two of the hallmarks of macrophages, which allow them to act as proinflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and homeostatic agents. Research has found that cancer and many inflammatory or autoimmune disorders are correlated with activation and tissue infiltration of macrophages. Recent developments in macrophage nanomedicine-based disease treatment are proving to be timely owing to the increasing inadequacy of traditional treatment. Here, we review the role of macrophages in nanomedicine-based disease treatment. First, we present a brief background on macrophages and nanomedicine. Then, we delve into applications of macrophages as a target for disease treatment and delivery systems and summarize the applications of macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles. Finally, we provide an outlook on the clinical utility of macrophages in nanomedicine-based disease treatment.

Tumor‐associated macrophages as treatment targets in glioma

Gliomas, the most common primary tumors in the central nervous system (CNS), can be categorized into 4 grades according to the World Health Organization. The most malignant glioma type is grade Ⅳ, also named glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). However, the standard treatment of concurrent temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy and radiotherapy after maximum resection does not improve overall survival in patients with GBM. Targeting components of the CNS microenvironment represents a new strategy for improving the efficacy of glioma treatment. Most recent studies focused on T cells. However, there is a growing body of evidence that tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important role in tumor progression and can be regulated by a wide array of cytokines or chemokines. New TAM‐associated immunotherapies may improve clinical outcomes by blocking tumor progression and prolonging survival. However, understanding the exact roles and possible mechanisms of TAMs in the tumor environment is necessary for developing this promising therapeutic target and identifying potential diagnostic markers for improved prognosis. This review summarizes the possible interactions between TAMs and glioma progression and discusses the potential therapeutic directions for TAM‐associated immunotherapies.

Lactoferrin, a unique molecule with diverse therapeutical and nanotechnological applications

Lactoferrin (LF) is a naturally glycoprotein with iron-binding properties and diverse biological applications including; antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer and immune stimulating effects. In addition, LF was found to be an ideal nanocarrier for some hydrophobic therapeutics because of its active targeting potential due to overexpression of its receptor on the surface of many cells. Moreover, it was proven to be a good candidate for fabrication of nanocarriers to specifically deliver drugs in case of brain tumors owing to the capability of LF to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB). Consequently, it seems to be a promising molecule with multiple applications in the field of cancer therapy and nanomedicine.

Biomimetic codelivery overcomes osimertinib-resistant NSCLC and brain metastasis via macrophage-mediated innate immunity

The third-generation of EGFR-TKI osimertinib has been approved as a first-line therapy in NSCLC, representing the most successful advance in molecularly targeted therapy. However, the rapid development of osimertinib resistance renders the unsustainable treatment benefit. Plus, brain metastasis (BMs) is a major mortality cause for NSCLC; there is no drug specifically approved for the osimertinib-resistant BMs of NSCLC yet. To tackle these critical issues, a BBB-permeable biomimetic codelivery system was designed for specifically treating osimertinib-resistant BMs. The T12 peptide-modified albumin nanoparticles coloaded with regorafenib and disulfiram/copper ion chelate repolarized the tumor-promoting CD206^hi TGF-β1⁺ MΦ via inhibition of FROUNT and thus remodeled tumor immune microenvironment. The treatment efficacy in both the subcutaneous H1975/AZDR model and the brain metastasized model demonstrated the effectiveness of the BBB-penetrating combination therapy and the macrophage-mediated innate immunity. This nanotherapeutic combination strategy provides a translational solution to the formidable challenges of overcoming TKI resistance and treating the TKI-resistant BMs.

Lactoferrin, a multi-functional glycoprotein: Active therapeutic, drug nanocarrier & targeting ligand

Recent progress in protein-based nanomedicine, inspired by the success of Abraxane® albumin-paclitaxel nanoparticles, have resulted in novel therapeutics used for treatment of challenging diseases like cancer and viral infections. However, absence of specific drug targeting, poor pharmacokinetics, premature drug release, and off-target toxicity are still formidable challenges in the clinic. Therefore, alternative protein-based nanomedicines were developed to overcome those challenges. In this regard, lactoferrin (Lf), a glycoprotein of transferrin family, offers a promising biodegradable well tolerated material that could be exploited both as an active therapeutic and drug nanocarrier. This review highlights the major pharmacological actions of Lf including anti-cancer, antiviral, and immunomodulatory actions. Delivery technologies of Lf to improve its pries and enhance its efficacy were also reviewed. Moreover, different nano-engineering strategies used for fabrication of drug-loaded Lf nanocarriers were discussed. In addition, the use of Lf for functionalization of drug nanocarriers with emphasis on tumor-targeted drug delivery was illustrated. Besides its wide application in oncology nano-therapeutics, we discussed the recent advances of Lf-based nanocarriers as efficient platforms for delivery of anti-parkinsonian, anti-Alzheimer, anti-viral drugs, immunomodulatory and bone engineering applications.

Targeting cancer with lactoferrin nanoparticles: recent advances

Lactoferrin, an iron storage protein, is known for its microbicidal activity and its ability to modulate the immune system, mediated through specific interactions with receptors on cell surfaces for internalization. These activities confer a significant versatility to lactoferrin, presenting it as a targeting ligand to disease-bearing cells. Early efforts in developing targeted delivery systems have focused on nano- and microcomposites comprised of metal and polymeric materials. These can be targeted through conjugation or adsorption of lactoferrin to achieve recognition to receptor-expressing cells. More recently, efforts are underway to utilize lactoferrin itself as a medium in loading the therapeutic agent. The functional efficiency of drug-loaded lactoferrin nanoparticles has been evaluated in different disease conditions such as cancer, HIV, Parkinson's disease, etc. This review will present the details of composition and performance of various delivery systems designed and developed using lactoferrin as targeting agent for the treatment of cancer.

Metabolic programming of tumor associated macrophages in the context of cancer treatment

Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) are important components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). They are characterized by a remarkable functional plasticity, thereby mostly promoting cancer progression. Changes in immune cell metabolism are paramount for this functional adaptation. Here, we review the functional consequences of the metabolic programming of TAMs and the influence of local and systemic targeted therapies on the metabolic characteristics of the TME that shape the functional phenotype of the TAMs. Understanding these metabolic changes within the context of the cross-talk between the different components of the TME including the TAMs and the tumor cells is an essential step that can pave the way towards identifications of ways to improve responses to different treatments, to overcome resistance to treatments, tumor progression and reduce treatment-specific toxicity.

BBB-penetrating codelivery liposomes treat brain metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer with EGFRT790M mutation

EGFR TKI therapy has become a first-line regimen for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with EGRF mutations. However, there are two big challenges against effective therapy--the secondary EGFR mutation-associated TKI resistance and brain metastasis (BMs) of lung cancer. The BMs is a major cause of death for advanced NSCLC patients, and the treatment of BMs with TKI resistance remains difficult.

Methods: Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) is a promising drug target for inhibiting tumor growth, overcoming drug resistance, and anti-metastasis. TAM also plays an essential role in regulating tumor microenvironment. We developed a dual-targeting liposomal system with modification of anti-PD-L1 nanobody and transferrin receptor (TfR)-binding peptide T12 for codelivery of simvastatin/gefitinib to treat BMs of NSCLC.

Results: The dual-targeting liposomes could efficiently penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and enter the BMs, acting on TAM repolarization and reversal of EGFR^T790M-associated drug resistance. The treatment mechanisms were related to the elevating ROS and the suppression of the EGFR/Akt/Erk signaling pathway.

Conclusion: The dual-targeting liposomal codelivery system offers a promising strategy for treating the advanced EGFR^T790M NSCLC patients with BMs.

Lactotransferrin Downregulation Drives the Metastatic Progression in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the main type of RCC, which is the most common type of malignant kidney tumor in adults. A subpopulation (>30%) of ccRCC patients develop metastasis; however, the molecular mechanism remains largely unknown. Here, we found that LTF, the gene encoding lactotransferrin, is dramatically downregulated in primary tumors compared to normal tissues derived from ccRCC patients deposited in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and is a favorable prognostic marker. Moreover, LTF downregulation appears to be more dominant in metastatic ccRCC. LTF overexpression suppresses migration ability in A498 ccRCC cells with high metastatic potential, whereas LTF knockdown fosters cellular migration in poorly metastatic ccRCC cells. Gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated that LTF expression inversely correlates with the progression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in ccRCC, which was further confirmed by RT-PCR experiments. Therapeutically, the administration of recombinant LTF protein significantly suppresses the cell migration ability and lung metastatic potential of ACHN cells, as well as LTF-silenced A498 cells. The gene knockdown of lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) robustly blocked recombinant LTF protein-induced inhibition of cellular migration and gene expression of EMT markers in ACHN cells. LTF downregulation and LRP1 upregulation combined predicted a poor overall survival rate in ccRCC patients compared to that with either factor alone. Our findings uncover a new mechanism by which LTF may interact with LRP1 to inhibit metastatic progression in ccRCC and also reveal the therapeutic value of recombinant LTF protein in treating metastatic ccRCC.

Lactoferrin's Anti-Cancer Properties: Safety, Selectivity, and Wide Range of Action

Despite recent advances in cancer therapy, current treatments, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, although beneficial, present attendant side effects and long-term sequelae, usually more or less affecting quality of life of the patients. Indeed, except for most of the immunotherapeutic agents, the complete lack of selectivity between normal and cancer cells for radio- and chemotherapy can make them potential antagonists of the host anti-cancer self-defense over time. Recently, the use of nutraceuticals as natural compounds corroborating anti-cancer standard therapy is emerging as a promising tool for their relative abundance, bioavailability, safety, low-cost effectiveness, and immuno-compatibility with the host. In this review, we outlined the anti-cancer properties of Lactoferrin (Lf), an iron-binding glycoprotein of the innate immune defense. Lf shows high bioavailability after oral administration, high selectivity toward cancer cells, and a wide range of molecular targets controlling tumor proliferation, survival, migration, invasion, and metastasization. Of note, Lf is able to promote or inhibit cell proliferation and migration depending on whether it acts upon normal or cancerous cells, respectively. Importantly, Lf administration is highly tolerated and does not present significant adverse effects. Moreover, Lf can prevent development or inhibit cancer growth by boosting adaptive immune response. Finally, Lf was recently found to be an ideal carrier for chemotherapeutics, even for the treatment of brain tumors due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, thus globally appearing as a promising tool for cancer prevention and treatment, especially in combination therapies.

Remodeling tumor immune microenvironment via targeted blockade of PI3K-γ and CSF-1/CSF-1R pathways in tumor associated macrophages for pancreatic cancer therapy

Immunotherapy has exhibited great potential in cancer treatment. However, for immunosuppressive tumors such as pancreatic cancer, immunotherapy is far from satisfactory. PI3K-γ and colony stimulating factor-1/colony stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF-1/CSF-1R) pathways are involved in the infiltration and polarization of immunosuppressive cells including M2 tumor associated macrophages (M2 TAMs), causing a suppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in pancreatic cancer. Herein, a M2 TAM targeting nanomicelle was developed to co-deliver PI3K-γ inhibitor NVP-BEZ 235 and CSF-1R-siRNA for specific TAMs reprogramming and antitumor immune responses activation. M2 TAM targeting peptide M2pep was modified on a mixed micelle, which was potent to co-encapsulate BEZ 235 and CSF-1R siRNA. The formulated nanomicelle increased M2 TAM targeting efficiency both in vitro and in vivo. Compared with single pathway blockade, dual blockade of PI3k-γ and CSF-1R demonstrated enhanced TAM remodeling effects by reducing M2 TAM level and elevating M1 TAM level, and also suppressed tumor infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Consequently, the M2 TAM targeting reprogramming system activated antitumor immune responses and achieved enhanced anti-pancreatic tumor effects via PI3K-γ blockade and downregulation of CSF-1R. The M2pep modified nanomicelle provides a promising method for co-delivery of siRNA and small molecule inhibitor to M2 TAM. Dual inhibition of both PI3K-γ and CSF-1R can remodel TIME and activate antitumor immune responses synergistically, providing an alternative approach for pancreatic cancer treatment.

Cell-penetrating peptide: a means of breaking through the physiological barriers of different tissues and organs

The selective infiltration of cell membranes and tissue barriers often blocks the entry of most active molecules. This natural defense mechanism prevents the invasion of exogenous substances and limits the therapeutic value of most available molecules. Therefore, it is particularly important to find appropriate ways of membrane translocation and therapeutic agent delivery to its target site. Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) are a group of short peptides harnessed in this condition, possessing a significant capacity for membrane transduction and could be exploited to transfer various biologically active cargoes into the cells. Since their discovery, CPPs have been employed for delivery of a wide variety of therapeutic molecules to treat various disorders including cranial nerve involvement, ocular inflammation, myocardial ischemia, dermatosis and cancer. The promising results of CPPs-derived therapeutics in various tumor models demonstrated a potential and worthwhile scope of CPPs in chemotherapy. This review describes the detailed description of CPPs and CPPs-assisted molecular delivery against various tissues and organs disorders. An emphasis is focused on summarizing the novel insights and achievements of CPPs in surmounting the natural membrane barriers during the last 5 years.

Nanomodulation of Macrophages in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating autoimmune disease primarily affecting young adults. Despite an unclear causal factor, symptoms and pathology arise from the infiltration of peripheral immune cells across the blood brain barrier. Accounting for the largest fraction of this infiltrate, macrophages are functionally heterogeneous innate immune cells capable of adopting either a pro or an anti-inflammatory phenotype, a phenomenon dependent upon cytokine milieu in the CNS. This functional plasticity is of key relevance in MS, where the pro-inflammatory state dominates the early stage, instructing demyelination and axonal loss while the later anti-inflammatory state holds a key role in promoting tissue repair and regeneration in later remission. This review highlights a potential therapeutic benefit of modulating macrophage polarisation to harness the anti-inflammatory and reparative state in MS. Here, we outline the role of macrophages in MS and look at the role of current FDA approved therapeutics in macrophage polarisation. Moreover, we explore the potential of particulate carriers as a novel strategy to manipulate polarisation states in macrophages, whilst examining how optimising macrophage uptake via nanoparticle size and functionalisation could offer a novel therapeutic approach for MS.

Reprogramming Tumor Immune Microenvironment (TIME) and Metabolism via Biomimetic Targeting Codelivery of Shikonin/JQ1

Remodeling tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is an important strategy to lift the immunosuppression and achieve immune normalization. In this work, a mannosylated lactoferrin nanoparticulate system (Man-LF NPs) is developed for dual-targeting biomimetic codelivery of shikonin and JQ1 via the mannose receptor and LRP-1 that are overexpressed in both cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages. The Man-LF NPs can serve as multitarget therapy for inducing immune cell death in the cancer cells, repressing glucose metabolism and repolarizing tumor-associated macrophages, and consequently, lead to remodeling the TIME (e.g., promotion of dendritic cell maturation and CD8⁺ T cell infiltration, as well as suppression of Treg). Moreover, JQ1 is a suppressor of PD-L1, and the Man-LF NPs can also work on PD-L1 checkpoint blockage. The results reveal the synergistic combination of shikonin and JQ1 and the treatment potency of the Man-LF NPs. Importantly, it is demonstrated that the interaction between the tumor metabolism and immunity plays an essential role in immunotherapy, and the developed drug combination and nanoformulation can target the multiple components in the complicated network of TIME, providing a potential therapeutic strategy.

Mesenchymal stem cells alleviate hypoxia-induced oxidative stress and enhance the pro-survival pathways in porcine islets

IMPACT STATEMENT

The utilization of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a promising approach to serve as adjuvant therapy for islet transplantation. But the inability to translate promising preclinical results into sound therapeutic effects in human subjects indicates a lack of key knowledge of MSC-islet interactions that warrant further research. Hypoxia and oxidative stress are critical factors which lead to a tremendous loss of islet grafts. However, previous studies mainly focused on other aspects of MSC protection such as inducing revascularization, enhancing insulin secretion, and reducing islet apoptosis. In this study, we aim to investigate whether MSC can protect islet cells from hypoxic damage by inhibiting ROS production and the potential underlying pathways involved. We also explore the effects of MSC-derived exosomes and IL-6 on hypoxia-injured islets. Our data provide new molecular targets for developing MSC applications, and this may ultimately promote the efficiency of clinical islet transplantation.

Emerging blood–brain-barrier-crossing nanotechnology for brain cancer theranostics

The advancements, perspectives, and challenges in blood–brain-barrier (BBB)-crossing nanotechnology for effective brain tumor delivery and highly efficient brain cancer theranostics.