Cryo-shocked cancer cell microgels for tumor postoperative combination immunotherapy and tissue regeneration

Prevention of recurrence/metastasis and tissue regeneration are critical for post-surgery treatment of malignant tumors. Here, to address these needs, a novel type of microgel co-loading cryo-shocked cancer cells, immunoadjuvant, and immune checkpoint inhibitor is presented by microfluidic electrospray technology and liquid nitrogen treatment. Owing to the encapsulation of cryo-shocked cancer cells and immunoadjuvant, the microgels can recruit dendritic cells and activate them in situ, and evoke a robust immune response. Moreover, with the combination of the immune checkpoint inhibitor, the antitumor immune response is further enhanced by inhibiting the interaction of PD1 and PDL1. With this, the excellent anti-recurrence and anti-metastasis efficacy of the microgels are demonstrated in an orthotopic breast cancer mouse model. Besides, because of the excellent biocompatibility and appropriate degradation performance, the microgels can provide support for normal cell adhesion and growth, which is beneficial to tissue reconstruction. These properties indicate the great value of the cryo-shocked cancer cell microgels for efficient tumor postoperative combination immunotherapy and tissue regeneration.

Automated summary

To address the issues of recurrence and metastasis in post-surgery treatment of malignant tumors, researchers have developed a novel type of microgel that can carry cryo-shocked cancer cells, immunoadjuvant, and immune checkpoint inhibitor using microfluidic electrospray technology and liquid nitrogen treatment. These microgels can recruit and activate dendritic cells, leading to a strong immune response. Additionally, the combination with the immune checkpoint inhibitor enhances the antitumor immune response. In an orthotopic breast cancer mouse model, the microgels demonstrate excellent efficacy in preventing recurrence and metastasis, and their biocompatibility and degradation performance also support tissue reconstruction.