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Endo R, Ueda T, Nagaoki T, Shima N, Sato Y, Harashima H, Nakamura T. Impact of in vivo fate of STING agonist-loaded lipid nanoparticles on antitumor immunity. J Control Release 2024; 372:609-618. [PMID: 38942082 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.06.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutically manipulating the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway has promising potential for enhancing antitumor immunity. Agonists of this pathway (STING agonists) are being evaluated in clinical trials. Loading the STING agonists into lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) increases their safety and efficacy. We previously developed STING agonists loaded LNPs consisting of the ionizable lipid YSK12-C4 (YSK12-LNPs), which showed significant antitumor effects. However, it is largely unclear how the in vivo fate of STING agonists loaded LNPs affects the antitumor immune responses. In this study, we compared the YSK12-LNPs with LNPs composed of DLin-MC3-DMA (MC3-LNPs) showing different in vivo fates. Biodistribution and flow cytometry analyses of mouse tissues revealed that the MC3-LNPs delivered higher amounts of STING agonists to the liver than the YSK12-LNPs. Additionally, significantly more liver leukocytes internalized the MC3-LNPs than the YSK12-LNPs. In contrast, the YSK12-LNPs delivered higher amounts of STING agonists to the liver leukocytes than the MC3-LNPs, leading to the effective induction of innate immunity and inflammation in the tumors. However, the antitumor effects in the B16-F10 lung metastasis and CT26 tumor models were comparable. Interestingly, flow cytometry analyses suggested that the YSK12-LNPs were more likely to activate natural killer cells and M1 macrophages, while the MC3-LNPs were more likely to activate CD8+ T cells. Our data suggest that different antitumor immune response mechanisms may operate depending on the characteristics and distribution of the LNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikito Endo
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Tomoki Ueda
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Takumi Nagaoki
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Natsumi Shima
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.
| | - Takashi Nakamura
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.
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Dou Y, Zheng J, Kang J, Wang L, Huang D, Liu Y, He C, Lin C, Lu C, Wu D, Han R, Li L, Tang L, He Y. Mesoporous manganese nanocarrier target delivery metformin for the co-activation STING pathway to overcome immunotherapy resistance. iScience 2024; 27:110150. [PMID: 39040065 PMCID: PMC11261061 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is a promising strategy to overcome primary resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer with the STK11 mutation. We previously found metformin enhances the STING pathway and thus promotes immune response. However, its low concentration in tumors limits its clinical use. Here, we constructed high-mesoporous Mn-based nanocarrier loading metformin nanoparticles (Mn-MSN@Met-M NPs) that actively target tumors and respond to release higher concentration of Mn2+ ions and metformin. The NPs significantly enhanced the T cells to kill lung cancer cells with the STK11 mutant. The mechanism shows that enhanced STING pathway activation promotes STING, TBKI, and IRF3 phosphorylation through Mn2+ ions and metformin release from NPs, thus boosting type I interferon production. In vivo, NPs in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor effectively decreased tumor growth. Collectively, we developed a Mn-MSN@Met-M nanoactivator to intensify immune activation for potential cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyao Dou
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Jun Kang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Liping Wang
- Department of pain treatment, the seventh people’s Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing 401320, China
| | - Daijuan Huang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yihui Liu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Chao He
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Caiyu Lin
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Conghua Lu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Rui Han
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Liling Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yong He
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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Luo T, Jiang X, Fan Y, Yuan E, Li J, Tillman L, Lin W. STING agonist-conjugated metal-organic framework induces artificial leukocytoid structures and immune hotspots for systemic antitumor responses. Natl Sci Rev 2024; 11:nwae167. [PMID: 38887543 PMCID: PMC11182667 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwae167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is widely used for cancer treatment, but its clinical utility is limited by radioresistance and its inability to target metastases. Nanoscale metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown promise as high-Z nanoradiosensitizers to enhance radiotherapy and induce immunostimulatory regulation of the tumor microenvironment. We hypothesized that MOFs could deliver small-molecule therapeutics to synergize with radiotherapy for enhanced antitumor efficacy. Herein, we develop a robust nanoradiosensitizer, GA-MOF, by conjugating a STING agonist, 2',3'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate (GA), on MOFs for synergistic radiosensitization and STING activation. GA-MOF demonstrated strong anticancer efficacy by forming immune-cell-rich nodules (artificial leukocytoid structures) and transforming them into immunostimulatory hotspots with radiotherapy. Further combination with an immune checkpoint blockade suppressed distant tumors through systemic immune activation. Our work not only demonstrates the potent radiosensitization of GA-MOF, but also provides detailed mechanisms regarding MOF distribution, immune regulatory pathways and long-term immune effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taokun Luo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago 60637, USA
| | - Xiaomin Jiang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago 60637, USA
| | - Yingjie Fan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago 60637, USA
| | - Eric Yuan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago 60637, USA
| | - Jinhong Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago 60637, USA
| | - Langston Tillman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago 60637, USA
| | - Wenbin Lin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago 60637, USA
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology and the Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, University of Chicago, Chicago 60637, USA
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Guo S, Li Z, Zhou R, Feng J, Huang L, Ren B, Zhu J, Huang Y, Wu G, Cai H, Zhang Q, Ke Y, Guan T, Chen P, Xu Y, Yan C, Ou C, Shen Z. MRI-Guided Tumor Therapy Based on Synergy of Ferroptosis, Immunosuppression Reversal and Disulfidptosis. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2309842. [PMID: 38431935 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202309842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells have a high demand for oxygen and glucose to fuel their growth and spread, shaping the tumor microenvironment (TME) that can lead to a weakened immune system by hypoxia and increased risk of metastasis. To disrupt this vicious circle and improve cancer therapeutic efficacy, a strategy is proposed with the synergy of ferroptosis, immunosuppression reversal and disulfidptosis. An intelligent nanomedicine GOx-IA@HMON@IO is successfully developed to realize this strategy. The Fe release behaviors indicate the glutathione (GSH)-responsive degradation of HMON. The results of titanium sulfate assay, electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra, 5,5'-Dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB) assay and T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrate the mechanism of the intelligent iron atom (IA)-based cascade reactions for GOx-IA@HMON@IO, generating robust reactive oxygen species (ROS). The results on cells and mice reinforce the synergistic mechanisms of ferroptosis, immunosuppression reversal and disulfidptosis triggered by the GOx-IA@HMON@IO with the following steps: 1) GSH peroxidase 4 (GPX4) depletion by disulfidptosis; 2) IA-based cascade reactions; 3) tumor hypoxia reversal; 4) immunosuppression reversal; 5) GPX4 depletion by immunotherapy. Based on the synergistic mechanisms of ferroptosis, immunosuppression reversal and disulfidptosis, the intelligent nanomedicine GOx-IA@HMON@IO can be used for MRI-guided tumor therapy with excellent biocompatibility and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Guo
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Baiyun, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
- The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan, Guangdong, 523058, China
| | - Zongheng Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Baiyun, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Ruilong Zhou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Baiyun, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Jie Feng
- Medical Imaging Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Baiyun, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Lin Huang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Baiyun, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Bin Ren
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Baiyun, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Jiaoyang Zhu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Baiyun, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Ya Huang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Baiyun, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Guochao Wu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Baiyun, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Haobin Cai
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Baiyun, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Baiyun, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Yushen Ke
- The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan, Guangdong, 523058, China
| | - Tianwang Guan
- The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan, Guangdong, 523058, China
| | - Peier Chen
- The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan, Guangdong, 523058, China
| | - Yikai Xu
- Medical Imaging Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Baiyun, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Chenggong Yan
- Medical Imaging Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Baiyun, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Caiwen Ou
- The Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan, Guangdong, 523058, China
| | - Zheyu Shen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Baiyun, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
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Yang L, Wang Y, Song Y, Li Z, Lei L, Li H, He B, Cao J, Gao H. Metal coordination nanotheranostics mediated by nucleoside metabolic inhibitors potentiate STING pathway activation for cancer metalloimmunotherapy. J Control Release 2024; 370:354-366. [PMID: 38685387 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.04.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Activation of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway is an effective way to initiate an immune response against tumors, and the research on agonists targeting STING has become a new hotspot in the development of antitumor drugs. However, as a novel STING agonist, the limited bioavailability and activation routes of manganese ions (Mn2+) significantly hinder its antitumor effects. To address these challenges, we have designed a metal-coordinated nucleoside metabolic inhibitor (gemcitabine, Gem)-induced metal nanotheranostic (MGP) with PEGylation. This formulation synergistically enhanced the immune response against cancer cells by sensitizing the cGAS-STING pathway and promoting immunogenic cell death (ICD). Modified with PEG derivatives, MGP was efficiently delivered to the tumor site and was internalized by cancer cells. Upon internalization, the release of Mn2+ triggered the activation of the cGAS-STING pathway, while the release of Gem induced DNA damage. On the one hand, the damaged DNA caused by Gem leaked into the cytoplasm, synergistically amplified Mn2+-induced activation of the cGAS-STING pathway, and induced the production of the tumor cytotoxic factor IFN-β. On the other hand, Mn2+-mediated chemodynamic therapy (CDT) exhibited an ICD effect, which further synergized with the activation of the cGAS-STING pathway to promote dendritic cells (DCs) maturation and antigen-specific T cells infiltration. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that MGP nanotheranostics could elicit a robust antitumor effect, especially when combined with anti-PD-1. This study provided a new paradigm for intensifying immune activation by constructing metal coordination nanotheranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianyi Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Yazhen Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Yujun Song
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Zeya Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Lei Lei
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Hanmei Li
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Bin He
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Jun Cao
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China.
| | - Huile Gao
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China.
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Wilson J, Kimmel B, Arora K, Chada N, Bharti V, Kwiatkowski A, Finklestein J, Hanna A, Arner E, Sheehy T, Pastora L, Yang J, Pagendarm H, Stone P, Taylor B, Hubert L, Gibson-Corley K, May J, McLean J, Rathmell J, Richmond A, Rathmell W, Balko J, Fingleton B, Hargrove-Wiley E. Programable Albumin-Hitchhiking Nanobodies Enhance the Delivery of STING Agonists to Potentiate Cancer Immunotherapy. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3243545. [PMID: 38766114 PMCID: PMC11100900 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3243545/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a promising target for potentiating antitumor immunity, but multiple pharmacological barriers limit the clinical utility, efficacy, and/or safety of STING agonists. Here we describe a modular platform for systemic administration of STING agonists based on nanobodies engineered for in situ hitchhiking of agonist cargo on serum albumin. Using site-selective bioconjugation chemistries to produce molecularly defined products, we found that covalent conjugation of a STING agonist to anti-albumin nanobodies improved pharmacokinetics and increased cargo accumulation in tumor tissue, stimulating innate immune programs that increased the infiltration of activated natural killer cells and T cells, which potently inhibited tumor growth in multiple mouse tumor models. We also demonstrated the programmability of the platform through the recombinant integration of a second nanobody domain that targeted programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1), which further increased cargo delivery to tumor sites while also blocking immunosuppressive PD-1/PD-L1 interactions. This bivalent nanobody carrier for covalently conjugated STING agonists stimulated robust antigen-specific T cell responses and long-lasting immunological memory, conferred enhanced therapeutic efficacy, and was effective as a neoadjuvant treatment for improving responses to adoptive T cell transfer therapy. Albumin-hitchhiking nanobodies thus offer an enabling, multimodal, and programmable platform for systemic delivery of STING agonists with potential to augment responses to multiple immunotherapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ann Hanna
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center
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Ao F, Li X, Tan Y, Jiang Z, Yang F, Guo J, Zhu Q, Chen Z, Zhou B, Zhang K, Li D. STING agonist-based hydrogel enhances immune activation in synergy with radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. J Control Release 2024; 369:296-308. [PMID: 38301925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Immunosuppression caused by incomplete radiofrequency ablation (iRFA) is a crucial factor affecting the effectiveness of RFA for solid tumors. However, little is known about the changes iRFA induces in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the primary application area for RFA. In this study, we found iRFA promotes a suppressive TIME in residual HCC tumors, characterized by M2 macrophage polarization, inhibited antigen presentation by dendritic cells (DCs), and reduced infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Interestingly, the STING agonist MSA-2 was able to reorganize M2-like tumor-promoting macrophages into M1-like anti-tumor states and enhance antigen presentation by DCs. To optimize the therapeutic effect of MSA-2, we used a calcium ion (Ca2+) responsive sodium alginate (ALG) as a carrier, forming an injectable hydrogel named ALG@MSA-2. This hydrogel can change from liquid to gel, maintaining continuous drug release in situ. Our results suggested that ALG@MSA-2 effectively activated anti-tumor immunity, as manifested by increased M1-like macrophage polarization, enhanced antigen presentation by DCs, increased CTL infiltration, and inhibited residual tumor growth. ALG@MSA-2 also resulted in a complete regression of contralateral tumors and widespread liver metastases in vivo. In addition, the excellent biosafety of ALG@MSA-2 was also proved by blood biochemical analysis and body weight changes in mice. In summary, this study demonstrated that the immune cascade of ALG@MSA-2 mediated the STING pathway activation and promoted a favorable TIME which might provide novel insights for the RFA treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Ao
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Xi Li
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Yan Tan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China
| | - Zebo Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Department of Pediatrics, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jingpei Guo
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Qiancheng Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China
| | - Zhongguo Chen
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China.
| | - Ke Zhang
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China.
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China.
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8
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Wang Y, Liu Y, Zhang J, Peng Q, Wang X, Xiao X, Shi K. Nanomaterial-mediated modulation of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway for enhanced cancer immunotherapy. Acta Biomater 2024; 176:51-76. [PMID: 38237711 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Despite the current promise of immunotherapy, many cancer patients still suffer from challenges such as poor immune response rates, resulting in unsatisfactory clinical efficacy of existing therapies. There is an urgent need to combine emerging biomedical discoveries and innovations in traditional therapies. Modulation of the cGAS-STING signalling pathway represents an important innate immunotherapy pathway that serves as a crucial DNA sensing mechanism in innate immunity and viral defense. It has attracted increasing attention as an emerging target for cancer therapy. The recent advancements in nanotechnology have led to the significant utilization of nanomaterials in cancer immunotherapy, owing to their exceptional physicochemical properties such as large specific surface area and efficient permeability. Given the rapid development of cancer immunotherapy driven by the cGAS-STING activation, this study reviews the latest research progress in employing nanomaterials to modulate this signaling pathway. Based on the introduction of the main activation mechanisms of cGAS-STING pathway, this review focuses on nanomaterials that mediate the agonists involved and effectively activate this signaling pathway. In addition, combination nanotherapeutics based on the activation of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway are also discussed, including emerging strategies combining nanoformulated agonists with chemotherapy, radiotherapy as well as other immunomodulation in tumor targeting therapy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Given the rapid development of cancer immunotherapy driven by the cGAS / STING activation, this study reviews the latest research advances in the use of nanomaterials to modulate this signaling pathway. Based on the introduction of key cGAS-STING components and their activation mechanisms, this review focuses on nanomaterials that can mediate the corresponding agonists and effectively activate this signaling pathway. In addition, combination nanotherapies based on the activation of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway are also discussed, including emerging strategies combining nanoformulated agonists with chemotherapy, radiotherapy as well as immunomodulation in cancer therapy,.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxin Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, PR China
| | - Yunmeng Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, PR China
| | - Jincheng Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, PR China
| | - Qikai Peng
- College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, PR China
| | - Xingdong Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, PR China
| | - Xiyue Xiao
- College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, PR China
| | - Kai Shi
- College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, PR China.
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Xuan C, Hu R. Chemical Biology Perspectives on STING Agonists as Tumor Immunotherapy. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202300405. [PMID: 37794702 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a crucial adaptor protein in the innate immune response. STING activation triggers cytokine secretion, including type I interferon and initiates T cell-mediated adaptive immunity. The activated immune system converts "cold tumors" into "hot tumors" that are highly responsive to T cells by recruiting them to the tumor microenvironment, ultimately leading to potent and long-lasting antitumor effects. Unlike most immune checkpoint inhibitors, STING agonists represent a groundbreaking class of innate immune agonists that hold great potential for effectively targeting various cancer populations and are poised to become a blockbuster in tumor immunotherapy. This review will focus on the correlation between the STING signaling pathway and tumor immunity, as well as explore the impact of STING activation on other biological processes. Ultimately, we will summarize the development and optimization of STING agonists from a medicinal chemistry perspective, evaluate their potential in cancer therapy, and identify possible challenges for future advancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyuan Xuan
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, No 24, TongJiaXiang, Gulou District, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China
| | - Rong Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, No 24, TongJiaXiang, Gulou District, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China
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Guo S, Xiong W, Zhu J, Feng J, Zhou R, Fan Q, Zhang Q, Li Z, Yang J, Zhou H, Yi P, Feng Y, Yang S, Qiu X, Xu Y, Shen Z. A STING pathway-activatable contrast agent for MRI-guided tumor immunoferroptosis synergistic therapy. Biomaterials 2023; 302:122300. [PMID: 37659110 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
The immunotherapy efficiency of stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-activatable drugs (e.g., 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin, SN38) is limited by their non-specificity to tumor cells and the slow excretion of the DNA-containing exosomes from the treated cancer cells. The efficacy of tumor ferroptosis therapy is always limited by the elimination of lipid peroxides (LPO) by the pathways of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1(FSP1). To solve these problems, in this study, we developed a STING pathway-activatable contrast agent (i.e., FeGd-HN@TA-Fe2+-SN38 nanoparticles) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided tumor immunoferroptosis synergistic therapy. The remarkable in vivo MRI performance of FeGd-HN@TA-Fe2+-SN38 is attributed to its high accumulation at tumor location, the high relaxivities of FeGd-HN core, and the pH-sensitive TA-Fe2+-SN38 layer. The effectiveness and biosafety of the immunoferroptosis synergistic therapy induced by FeGd-HN@TA-Fe2+-SN38 are demonstrated by the in vivo investigations on the 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. The mechanisms of in vivo immunoferroptosis synergistic therapy by FeGd-HN@TA-Fe2+-SN38 are demonstrated by measurements of in vivo ROS, LPO, GPX4 and SLC7A11 levels, the intratumor matured DCs and CD8+ T cells, the protein expresion of STING and IRF-3, and the secretion of IFN-β and IFN-γ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Guo
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Medical Imaging Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Jiaoyang Zhu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Jie Feng
- Medical Imaging Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Ruilong Zhou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Qingdeng Fan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Zongheng Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Jing Yang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Huimin Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Peiwei Yi
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Yanqiu Feng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Sugeun Yang
- Department of Biomedical Science, BK21 FOUR Program in Biomedical Science and Engineering, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, 22212, South Korea
| | - Xiaozhong Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Yikai Xu
- Medical Imaging Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Zheyu Shen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, 1023 Shatai South Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
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Wang X, Lin M, Zhu L, Ye Z. GAS-STING: a classical DNA recognition pathways to tumor therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1200245. [PMID: 37920470 PMCID: PMC10618366 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1200245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic GMP-AMP synthetase (cGAS), recognized as the primary DNA sensor within cells, possesses the capability to identify foreign DNA molecules along with free DNA fragments. This identification process facilitates the production of type I IFNs through the activator of the interferon gene (STING) which induces the phosphorylation of downstream transcription factors. This action characterizes the most archetypal biological functionality of the cGAS-STING pathway. When treated with anti-tumor agents, cells experience DNA damage that triggers activation of the cGAS-STING pathway, culminating in the expression of type I IFNs and associated downstream interferon-stimulated genes. cGAS-STING is one of the important innate immune pathways,the role of type I IFNs in the articulation between innate immunity and T-cell antitumour immunity.type I IFNs promote the recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells (including NK cells) at the tumor site.Type I IFNs also can promote the activation and maturation of dendritic cel(DC), improve the antigen presentation of CD4+T lymphocytes, and enhance the cross-presentation of CD8+T lymphocytes to upregulating anti-tumor responses. This review discussed the cGAS-STING signaling and its mechanism and biological function in traditional tumor therapy and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrui Wang
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Meijia Lin
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liping Zhu
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Zhoujie Ye
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-Human Primate, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
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