Light and immunostimulant mediated in situ re-education of tumor-associated macrophages using photosensitizer conjugated mannan nanoparticles for boosting immuno-photodynamic anti-metastasis therapy

Biomater Sci. 2022 Dec 20;11(1):298-306. doi: 10.1039/d2bm01508k.

Abstract

In an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant cells displaying pro-tumorigenic M2-like phenotypes, encouraging tumor growth and influencing the development of resistance against conventional therapies. TAMs are highly malleable. They can be repolarized into tumoricidal M1-like cells. In this study, we report the synthesis of novel co-operative immuno-photodynamic nanoparticles involving TAM self-targeting acrylic acid grafted mannan (a polysaccharide) conjugated with the chlorin e6 (Ce6) photosensitizer and then loaded with resiquimod (R848), a toll-like receptor (TLR7/8) agonist. The mannan conjugated Ce6 loaded with R848 (MCR) as bioconjugate nanoparticles demonstrated selective targeting of anti-inflammatory M2-like cells. Using photodynamic therapy they were repolarized to pro-inflammatory M1-like cells with combined effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-triggered intracellular signaling and a small-molecule immunostimulant. The MCR also demonstrated a TAM-directed adaptive immune response, inhibited tumor growth, and prevented metastasis. Our results indicate that these MCR nanoparticles can effectively target TAMs and modulate them for cancer immunotherapy.

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / pharmacology
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / therapeutic use
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Humans
  • Mannans
  • Nanoparticles*
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Photochemotherapy* / methods
  • Photosensitizing Agents / pharmacology
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use
  • Tumor Microenvironment
  • Tumor-Associated Macrophages

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Mannans
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic