T Lymphocyte-Captured DNA Network for Localized Immunotherapy

The efficient isolation of immune cells with high purity and low cell damage is important for immunotherapy and remains highly challenging. We herein report a cell capture DNA network containing polyvalent multimodules for the specific isolation and in situ incubation of T lymphocytes (T-cells). Two ultralong DNA chains synthesized by an enzymatic amplification process were rationally designed to include functional multimodules as cell anchors and immune adjuvants. Mutually complementary sequences facilitated the formation of a DNA network and encapsulation of T-cells, as well as offering cutting sites of a restriction enzyme for the responsive release of T-cells and immune adjuvants. The purity of captured tumor-infiltrating T-cells reached 98%, and the viability of T-cells maintained similar to 90%. The T-cells-containing DNA network was further administrated to a tumor lesion for localized immunotherapy. Our work provides a robust nanobiotechnology for efficient isolation of immune cells and other biological particles.

Automated summary

A DNA network containing polyvalent multimodules was developed for specific isolation and incubation of T cells, achieving efficient isolation with high purity and low cell damage. Complementary sequences facilitated the formation of the DNA network and cutting sites for responsive release of T cells and immune adjuvants, showing potential for localized immunotherapy in tumor lesions.