Microvesicle-inspired oxygen-delivering nanosystem potentiates radiotherapy-mediated modulation of tumor stroma and antitumor immunity

Biomaterials. 2022 Nov:290:121855. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121855. Epub 2022 Oct 12.

Abstract

The efficacy of radiotherapy is greatly challenged by intense hypoxia, intricate stroma and suppressive immune microenvironments in tumors. Herein, we rationally designed a microvesicle-inspired oxygen-delivering polyfluorocarbon nanosystem loading DiIC18(5) and halofuginone (M-FDH) with prominent capacity of improving tumor oxygenation and intratumor distribution, synergizing radiation to disrupt tumor stroma and boost antitumor immunity for combinational cancer therapy. M-FDH produced a 10.98-fold enhancement of tumor oxygenation and caused efficient production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon radiation. M-FDH + X ray treatment resulted in notable DNA damages, over 90% elimination of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and major components of extracellular matrix, significant enhancement of tumoricidal CD3+CD8+ T cells, and profound elimination of suppressive immune cells in 4T1 tumors. The therapeutic benefits of M-FDH + X ray on suppressing tumor growth were confirmed in two murine tumor models. Therefore, this study provides an encouraging microvesicle-inspired strategy to target cancer cells and CAFs in tumors and synergize radiotherapy for effective cancer treatment.

Keywords: Anti-tumor immune response; Microvesicle; Radiotherapy; Tumor hypoxia; Tumor stroma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes
  • Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms* / radiotherapy
  • Oxygen
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • Oxygen
  • Reactive Oxygen Species