A pH-responsive PROTAC-based nanosystem triggers tumor-specific ferroptosis to construct in situ tumor vaccines
Linghong Huang, Xin‐Yuan Sun, Qinhua Zuo, Ting Song, Ning Liu, Zonghua Liu, Wei Xue
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing protein 4 ( BRD4 ) is a key protein that drives the development of malignant melanoma and is closely associated with the ferroptosis signaling pathway. Degradation of BRD4 can downregulate the expression of ferroptosis-related genes such as GPX4, thereby promoting tumor-specific ferroptosis. Therefore, targeting BRD4 for degradation is a promising strategy for inhibiting tumor growth. We constructed a PROTAC drug-based tumor antigen capture system to protect the activity of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and promote antigen capture. The selected PROTAC drug (ARV-825) can specifically degrade BRD4 without harming immune cells. Specifically, magnetic nanoclusters (MNC) coated with calcium-doped manganese carbonate (Ca/MnCO 3 ), were used to load PROTAC drug (ARV-825) and anti-PD1, forming the MNC@Ca/MnCO 3 /ARV/anti-PD1 system. ARV-825 can specifically degrade BRD4 and GPX4, significantly inducing ferroptosis in tumor cells and releasing tumor-associated antigens. The MNC@Ca/MnCO 3 particles, with their large specific surface area, adsorbed the tumor antigens, preventing antigen loss and enhancing antigen presentation. Additionally, Mn 2+ served as an adjuvant to promote the maturation and cross-presentation of APCs. Together with the PD1 antibody, this further enhanced the anti-tumor response of the in situ tumor vaccine and reversed the suppressive immune microenvironment. This antigen capture system provides a novel strategy to improve the anti-tumor efficacy of in situ tumor vaccines.