Polarization of macrophages to an anti-cancer phenotype through in situ uncaging of a TLR 7/8 agonist using bioorthogonal nanozymes.

ABSTRACT: Macrophages are plastic cells of the immune system that can be broadly classified as having pro-inflammatory (M1-like) or anti-inflammatory (M2-like) phenotypes. M2-like macrophages are often associated with cancers and can promote cancer growth and create an immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment. Repolarizing macrophages from M2-like to M1-like phenotype provides a crucial strategy for anticancer immunotherapy. Imiquimod is an FDA-approved small molecule that can polarize macrophages by activating toll-like receptor 7/8 (TLR 7/8) located inside lysosomes. However, the non-specific inflammation that results from the drug has limited its systemic application. To overcome this issue, we report the use of gold nanoparticle-based bioorthogonal nanozymes for the conversion of an inactive, i

SUBMITTER: Zhang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10866364 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature