Supramolecular engineering of cell membrane vesicles for cancer immunotherapy

Sci Bull (Beijing). 2022 Sep 30;67(18):1898-1909. doi: 10.1016/j.scib.2022.08.030. Epub 2022 Aug 24.

Abstract

The clinical translation of nanomedicines has been strongly hampered by the limitations of delivery vehicles, promoting scientists to search for novel nanocarriers. Although cell membrane-based delivery systems have attracted extensive attention, further functionalizations are urgently desired to augment their theranostic functions. We propose a cell-friendly supramolecular strategy to engineer cell membranes utilizing cyclodextrin-based host-guest molecular recognitions to fix the defects arising from chemical and genetic modifications. In this study, the supramolecular cell membrane vesicles (SCMVs) specifically accumulate in tumors, benefiting from tumor-homing capability and the enhanced permeability and retention effect. SCMVs co-delivering indocyanine green and an indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase inhibitor effectively ablate tumors combining photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy. Driven by host-guest inclusion complexation, SCMVs successfully encapsulate resiquimod to repolarize tumor-associated macrophages into M1 phenotype, synergizing with immune checkpoint blockade therapy. This supramolecular engineering methodology based on noncovalent interactions presents a generalizable and cell-friendly tactic to develop living cell-originated nanomaterials for precise cancer therapy.

Keywords: Cancer theranostics; Host–guest systems; Immunotherapy; Nanomedicine; Supramolecular chemistry.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Membrane
  • Cyclodextrins*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Nanostructures*
  • Neoplasms* / therapy

Substances

  • Cyclodextrins