Supramolecular Peptide Amphiphile Nanospheres Reprogram Tumor-associated Macrophage to Reshape the Immune Microenvironment for Enhanced Breast Cancer Immunotherapy

Tumor immunotherapy has become a research hotspot in cancer treatment, with macrophages playing a crucial role in tumor development. However, the tumor microenvironment restricts macrophage functionality, limiting their therapeutic potential. Therefore, modulating macrophage function and polarization is essential for enhancing tumor immunotherapy outcomes. Here, a supramolecular peptide amphiphile drug-delivery system (SPADS) is utilized to reprogram macrophages and reshape the tumor immune microenvironment (TIM) for immune-based therapies. The approach involved designing highly specific SPADS that selectively targets surface receptors of M2-type macrophages (M2-M phi). These targeted peptides induced M2-M phi repolarization into M1-type macrophages by dual inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stresses, resulting in improved macrophagic antitumor activity and immunoregulatory function. Additionally, TIM reshaping disrupted the immune evasion mechanisms employed by tumor cells, leading to increased infiltration, and activation of immune cells. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of macrophage reshaping and anti-PD-1 antibody (aPD-1) therapy significantly improved the immune system's ability to recognize and eliminate tumor cells, thereby enhancing tumor immunotherapy efficacy. SPADS utilization also induced lung metastasis suppression. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of SPADS to drive macrophage reprogramming and reshape TIM, providing new insights, and directions for developing more effective immunotherapeutic approaches in cancer treatment. Peptide amphiphilic nanoparticles deliver targeted alpha-tocopherol and toyocamycin to M2 macrophages, dual inhibiting oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress, inducing metabolic reprogramming and repolarization of macrophages, and favorably modifying the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In particular, these nanoparticles enhance macrophage phagocytosis and tumor killing capabilities, which synergizes with PD-1 antibody therapy for potent antitumor and metastasis suppression.image

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the potential of a supramolecular peptide amphiphile drug-delivery system (SPADS) to reprogram macrophages and reshape the tumor immune microenvironment (TIM) for enhanced tumor immunotherapy outcomes. By specifically targeting M2-type macrophages, the SPADS induce repolarization into M1-type macrophages, improving macrophagic antitumor activity and immunoregulatory function. Additionally, the SPADS disrupt immune evasion mechanisms in tumor cells and synergize with anti-PD-1 antibody therapy to enhance the immune system's ability to recognize and eliminate tumor cells.