FAP-Targeted Photodynamic Therapy Mediated by Ferritin Nanoparticles Elicits an Immune Response against Cancer Cells and Cancer Associated Fibroblasts.

ABSTRACT: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are present in many types of tumors and play a pivotal role in tumor progression and immunosuppression. Fibroblast-activation protein (FAP), which is overexpressed on CAFs, has been indicated as a universal tumor target. However, FAP expression is not restricted to tumors, and systemic treatment against FAP often causes severe side effects. To solve this problem, a photodynamic therapy (PDT) approach was developed based on ZnF₁₆Pc (a photosensitizer)-loaded and FAP-specific single chain variable fragment (scFv)-conjugated apoferritin nanoparticles, or αFAP-Z@FRT. αFAP-Z@FRT PDT efficiently eradicates CAFs in tumors without inducing systemic toxicity. When tested in murine 4T1 models, the PDT treatment elicits anti-cancer immunity, causing sup

SUBMITTER: Zhou S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9273013 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature