The anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy has shown promise in treating cancer. However, certain patients with metastatic cancer have low response and high relapse rates. A main reason is systemic immunosuppression caused by exosomal PD-L1, which can circulate in the body and inhibit T cell functions. Here, we show that Golgi apparatus-Pd-l1-/- exosome hybrid membrane coated nanoparticles (GENPs) can significantly reduce the secretion of PD-L1. The GENPs can accumulate in tumors through homotypic targeting and effectively deliver retinoic acid, inducing disorganization of the Golgi apparatus and a sequence of intracellular events including alteration of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-to-Golgi trafficking and subsequent ER stress, which finally disrupts the PD-L1 production and the release of exosomes. Furthermore, GENPs could mimic exosomes to access draining lymph nodes. The membrane antigen of PD-l1-/- exosome on GENPs can activate T cells through a vaccine-like effect, strongly promoting systemic immune responses. By combining GENPs with anti-PD-L1 treatment in the sprayable in situ hydrogel, we have successfully realized a low recurrence rate and substantially extended survival periods in mice models with incomplete metastatic melanoma resection.
Keywords: Golgi apparatus disorganization; biomimetic; exosomal PD-L1; immunotherapy; in situ sprayed hydrogel vaccine.