Porphyrin-Based Covalent Organic Framework for Imaging-Guided Cancer Combinatorial Immuno-Sonodynamic Therapy

The rational design of tumor microenvironment (TME)-activated nanomedicine is driving a new direction in tumor immunology. Furthermore, the novel therapeutic mode of ultrasound-triggered sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has been proven to specifically activate the immune response. Herein, a well-defined covalent organic framework (COF) with sonosensitive properties is synthesized through experimental and theoretical verification, followed by the efficient loading of the toll-like receptor agonist (Poly(I:C)) and in situ growth of paramagnetic transitional metallic oxide of manganese bioxide (MnO2). The MnO2-Poly(I:C)@COF shell can reverse the reductive TME by consuming glutathione (GSH) to release Mn2+, simultaneously generating markedly magnetic resonance imaging signals for real-time guidance. Importantly, the MnO2 acts as an enzyme-like nano-catalyst to promote TME-overexpressed hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and produce oxygen, facilitating SDT-induced reactive oxygen species (RO production, and inducing immunogenic cell death, thereby boosting immune engine and triggering abundant neoantigen exposure. With the powerful assistance of immunological agents Mn2+ and Poly(I:C), the triggered immune engine be amplified by refueling engine (stepping on the accelerator) to reduce immunosuppressive state. Overall, this study improves the synthesis of multifunctional COF and expands its application. The developed nano-sonosensitizer system provides a paradigm to enhance SDT-based high-performance multifunctional sonosensitizers, and this SDT-mediated strong tumor-suppressive efficiency and activated immune effect represent a promising combinatorial therapeutic strategy for cancer therapy.

Automated summary

This study presents the synthesis of a covalent organic framework with sonosensitive properties for the efficient loading of MnO2 and Poly(I:C). The developed nanomaterial is capable of reversing the reductive tumor microenvironment, generating magnetic resonance imaging signals, promoting reactive oxygen species production, inducing immunogenic cell death, and boosting the immune response. This multifunctional nanosystem represents a promising strategy for cancer therapy.