Ultrasound-activated Piezoelectric Nanoparticles Trigger Microglia Activity against Glioblastoma Cells
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive brain cancer, characterized by a rapid and drug-resistant progression. GBM “builds” around its primary core a genetically heterogeneous tumor-microenvironment (TME), recruiting surrounding healthy brain cells by releasing various intercellular signals. Glioma-associated microglia (GAM) represent the largest population of collaborating cells, which, in the TME, usually exhibit the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, thus promoting an immunosuppressing environment that helps tumor growth. Conversely, “classically activated” M1 microglia could provide pro-inflammatory and anti-tumorigenic activity, expected to exert a beneficial effect in defeating glioblastoma. In this work, we developed a targeted anti-glioma immunotherapy, based on pro-inflammatory modulation of the GAM phenotype, through a controlled and localized electrical stimulation. The proposed strategy relies on the excitation through the remote application of ultrasound of polymeric piezoelectric nanoparticles, coated with GBM cell membrane extracts to allow homotypic targeting. Such camouflaged nanotransducers locally generate electrical cues on GAM membranes, ultimately activating their M1 phenotype, and thus triggering a significant anti-cancer activity. Collected findings open new perspectives in the modulation of immune cell activities though “smart” nanomaterials and, more specifically, provide an innovative tool in glioma immunotherapy.
INSTRUMENT(S):
ORGANISM(S): Homo Sapiens (human)
TISSUE(S): Brain, Cell Culture
SUBMITTER:
Martina Bartolucci
LAB HEAD: Andrea Petretto
PROVIDER: PXD046051 | Pride | 2026-07-16
REPOSITORIES: Pride
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