Enhanced Immune Responses by Virus-Mimetic Polymeric Nanostructures Against Infectious Diseases

Mace-Like Plasmonic Au-Pd Heterostructures Boost Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy

Photoimmunotherapy, with spatiotemporal precision and noninvasive property, has provided a novel targeted therapeutic strategy for highly malignant triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, their therapeutic effect is severely restricted by the insufficient generation of tumor antigens and the weak activation of immune response, which is caused by the limited tissue penetration of light and complex immunosuppressive microenvironment. To improve the outcomes, herein, mace-like plasmonic AuPd heterostructures (Au Pd HSs) have been fabricated to boost near-infrared (NIR) photoimmunotherapy. The plasmonic Au Pd HSs exhibit strong photothermal and photodynamic effects under NIR light irradiation, effectively triggering immunogenic cell death (ICD) to activate the immune response. Meanwhile, the spiky surface of Au Pd HSs can also stimulate the maturation of DCs to present these antigens, amplifying the immune response. Ultimately, combining with anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (α-PD-L1) will further reverse the immunosuppressive microenvironment and enhance the infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), not only eradicating primary TNBC but also completely inhibiting mimetic metastatic TNBC. Overall, the current study opens a new path for the treatment of TNBC through immunotherapy by integrating nanotopology and plasmonic performance.

Degradation and Detection of Endocrine Disruptors by Laccase-Mimetic Polyoxometalates

Endocrine disruptors are newly identified water contaminants and immediately caught worldwide concern. An effort has been made to degrade endocrine disruptors in the water body by relying on laccase-assisted approaches, including laccase-mediated catalytic systems, immobilized laccase catalytic systems, and nano-catalytic systems based on atypical protein enzymes. Analogous to laccases, polyoxometalates (POMs) have a similar size as these enzymes. They are also capable of using oxygen as an electron acceptor, which could assist the removal of endocrine disruptors in water. This perspective begins with a brief introduction to endocrine disruptors and laccases, summarizes current approaches employing laccases, and focuses on the nano-catalytic systems that mimic the function of laccases. Among the inorganic nanoparticles, POMs meet the design requirements and are easy for large-scale production. The catalytic performance of POMs in water treatment is highlighted, and an example of using polyoxovanadates for endocrine disruptor degradation is given at the end of this perspective. Exploring laccase-mimetic POMs will give key insights into the degradation of emergent water contaminants.