A precision intelligent nanomissile for inhibiting tumor metastasis, boosting energy deprivation and immunotherapy

Abstract

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), tumor stroma and local metabolic alterations cooperate to establish a unique tumor microenvironment (TME) that fosters tumor progression and metastasis. To tackle this challenge, a precision intelligent nanomissile named HA@AT-Pd has been designed for dual-pronged cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) transformation and tumor cell elimination. It is observed that HA@AT-Pd inhibits the production of cancer stem cells (CSCs) by blocking the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway-mediated EMT and reversing activated CAFs to quiescence. Notably, HA@AT-Pd induces energy depletion in breast cancer cells through simultaneously suppressing cellular oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis. The inhibition of glycolysis results in reduced lactic acid production, thereby converting an immunosuppressive TME into an immune-activating environment. Furthermore, the photothermal effect generated by HA@AT-Pd evokes immunogenic cell death, which can further enhance the anti-tumor immune response. Overall, this multifunctional combination strategy unveils potential therapeutic avenues to inhibit tumor progression and metastasis.