纳米制剂 TLR 7/8 激动剂和 PI3k delta 抑制剂对肿瘤微环境的免疫调节增强了放疗的治疗效果

Infiltration of immunosuppressive cells into the breast tumor microenvironment (TME) is associated with suppressed effector T cell (Teff) responses, accelerated tumor growth, and poor clinical outcomes. Previous studies from our group and others identified infiltration of immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) as critical contributors to immune dysfunction in the orthotopic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tumor model limiting the efficacy of adoptive cellular therapy.

However, approaches to target these cells specifically in the TME are currently lacking. To overcome this barrier, polymeric micelles nanoparticles (PMNPs) were used for co-delivery of small molecule drugs activating Toll-like receptors 7 and 8 (TLR7/8) and inhibiting PI3K delta. The immunomodulation of the TME by TLR7/8 agonist and PI3K inhibitor altered macrophage polarization, reduced MDSC accumulation and selectively decreased tissue-resident Tregs in the TME, while enhancing the T and B cell adaptive immune response.

PMNPs significantly enhanced the anti-tumor activity of local radiation therapy (RT) in mice bearing orthotopic TNBC tumors compared to RT alone. Taken together, these data demonstrate that RT combined with a nanoformulated immunostimulant restructured the TME and has promising potential for future translation combined with RT for patients with TNBC.