Harnessing macrophage-drug conjugates for allogeneic cell-based therapy of solid tumors via the TRAIN mechanism.

ABSTRACT: Treatment of solid tumors remains challenging and therapeutic strategies require continuous development. Tumor-infiltrating macrophages play a pivotal role in tumor dynamics. Here, we present a Macrophage-Drug Conjugate (MDC) platform technology that enables loading macrophages with ferritin-drug complexes. We first show that macrophages actively take up human heavy chain ferritin (HFt) in vitro via macrophage scavenger receptor 1 (MSR1). We further manifest that drug-loaded macrophages transfer ferritin to adjacent cancer cells through a process termed 'TRAnsfer of Iron-binding protein' (TRAIN). The TRAIN process requires direct cell-to-cell contact and an immune synapse-like structure. At last, MDCs with various anti-cancer drugs are formulated with their safety and anti-tumor efficacy v

SUBMITTER: Taciak B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11790938 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature