PD-L1 Blockade with Biodegradable Envafolimab-Loaded Microspheres Synergizes with Transarterial Chemoembolization to Overcome Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell-Driven Immune Escape in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

ABSTRACT: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) remains a cornerstone locoregional therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), yet post-TACE tumor recurrence remains a critical challenge. Our single-cell RNA analysis reveals that tumor recurrence is mechanistically linked to TACE-induced expansion of PD-L1⁺ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs).To counterbalance these paradoxical effects, we developed a self-degradable microsphere (MS) composed of hyaluronic acid and gelatin for sustained local delivery of the anti-PD-L1 antibody Envafolimab (KN035) to reshape the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Comprehensive characterization validated KN035-MS's spherical morphology, high drug-loading efficiency, and controlled release kinetics. In BALB/c-hPD-L1 murine HCC models, tra

SUBMITTER: Liu H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12862755 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature