STING-activating dendritic cell-targeted nanovaccines that evoke potent antigen cross-presentation for cancer immunotherapy
Nguyen Thi Nguyen, Xuan Thien Le, Woo Tak Lee, Yong Taik Lim, Kyung Taek Oh, Eun Seong Lee, Han‐Gon Choi, Yu Seok Youn
Abstract
Recently, nanovaccine-based immunotherapy has been robustly investigated due to its potential in governing the immune response and generating long-term protective immunity. However, the presentation of a tumor peptide-major histocompatibility complex to T lymphocytes is still a challenge that needs to be addressed for eliciting potent antitumor immunity. Type 1 conventional dendritic cell (cDC1) subset is of particular interest due to its pivotal contribution in the cross-presentation of exogenous antigens to CD8 + T cells. Here, the DC-derived nanovaccine (denoted as Si9GM) selectively targets cDC1s with marginal loss of premature antigen release for effective stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-mediated antigen cross-presentation. Bone marrow dendritic cell (BMDC)-derived membranes, conjugated to cDC1-specific antibody (αCLEC9A) and binding to tumor peptide (OVA 257-264 ), are coated onto dendrimer-like polyethylenimine (PEI)-grafted silica nanoparticles. Distinct molecular weight-cargos (αCLEC9A-OVA 257-264 conjugates and 2′3′-cGAMP STING agonists) are loaded in hierarchical center-radial pores that enables lysosome escape for potent antigen-cross presentation and activates interferon type I, respectively. Impressively, Si9GM vaccination leads to the upregulation of cytotoxic T cells, a reduction in tumor regulatory T cells (Tregs), M1/M2 macrophage polarization, and immune response that synergizes with αPD-1 immune checkpoint blockade. This nanovaccine fulfills a dual role for both direct T cell activation as an artificial antigen-presenting cell and DC subset maturation, indicating its utility in clinical therapy and precision medicine. • Si9GM nanovaccine selectively targets cDC1s after lymph node homing. • Si9GM plays a dual role as an artificial antigen-presenting cell and cDC1-targeted STING activator. • Encapsulated α-CLEC9A-OVA 257-264 conjugates effectively escape lysosomes and prevent premature antigen release. • Si9GM nanovaccine potently evokes DC maturation and CD8 T cell priming. • Si9GM combining αPD-1 immune checkpoint blockade triggers robust antigen cross-presentation and immune responses.