Targeted STING Activation Using Modified Ultrasound-Responsive Microbubbles Enhances Immune Checkpoint Blockade Against Melanoma.

ABSTRACT: Despite the recent successes of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in treating advanced melanoma, durable clinical responses still remain limited. To boost immune responses, agents that target immune regulators, such as the Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) agonist cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), are being investigated. However, their clinical translation is impeded by poor serum stability, rapid tissue clearance, and T-cell death due to off-target activation. Recently, a novel strategy termed Microbubble-assisted UltraSound-guided Immunotherapy of Cancer (MUSIC) has been reported to selectively deliver cGAMP directly into the cytosol of antigen-presenting cells with spatiotemporal control. The resulting activation of STING and downstream proinflammatory pathways produces antitumor effects i

SUBMITTER: Khorsandi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12165055 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature