Sustained and targeted delivery of checkpoint inhibitors by metal-organic frameworks for cancer immunotherapy

The major impediments to the implementation of cancer immunotherapies are the sustained immune effect and the targeted delivery of these therapeutics, as they have life-threatening adverse effects. In this work, biomimetic metal-organic frameworks [zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs)] are used for the controlled delivery of nivolumab (NV), a monoclonal antibody checkpoint inhibitor that was U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved back in 2014. The sustained release behavior of NV-ZIF has shown a higher efficacy than the naked NV to activate T cells in hematological malignancies. The system was further modified by coating NV-ZIF with cancer cell membrane to enable tumor-specific targeted delivery while treating solid tumors. We envisage that such a biocompatible and biodegradable immunotherapeutic delivery system may promote the development and the translation of hybrid superstructures into smart and personalized delivery platforms.

Automated summary

This study explores the use of biomimetic metal-organic frameworks for controlled delivery of cancer immunotherapy drug nivolumab, showing promising results in treating hematological malignancies and solid tumors. The modified system allows for tumor-specific targeted delivery while potentially promoting the development and translation of hybrid superstructures into smart and personalized delivery platforms.