TME-responsive nanocomposite hydrogel with targeted capacity for enhanced synergistic chemoimmunotherapy of MYC-amplified osteosarcoma

Abstract

The oncogene MYC is one of the most commonly activated oncogenic proteins in human tumors, with nearly one-fourth of osteosarcoma showing MYC amplification and exhibiting the worst clinical outcomes. The clinical efficacy of single radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy for such osteosarcoma is poor, and the dysregulation of MYC amplification and immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) may be potential causes of anti-tumor failure. To address the above issues, we developed an injectable TME-responsive nanocomposite hydrogel to simultaneously deliver an effective MYC inhibitor (NHWD-870) and IL11Rα-targeted liposomes containing cisplatin-loaded MnO₂ (Cis/Mn@Lipo-IL11). After in situ administration, NHWD-870 effectively degrades MYC and downregulates CCL2 and IL13 cytokines to trigger M1 type activation of macrophages. Meanwhile, targeted delivery of Cis/Mn@Lipo-IL11 reacts with excess intratumoral GSH to generate Mn²⁺ and thus inducing excess active oxygen species (ROS) production through Fenton-like reaction, along with cisplatin, thereby inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD) to promote dendritic cell maturation. Through synergistic regulation of MYC and ICD levels, the immune microenvironment was reshaped to enhance immune infiltration. In the osteosarcoma-bearing model, the nanocomposite hydrogel significantly enhanced tumor T cell infiltration, induced effective anti-tumor immunity and attenuated lung metastasis. Therefore, our results reveal a powerful strategy for targeted combination therapy of MYC-amplified osteosarcoma.