journal article·2025-11Open access

HA Self‐Assembled Dual‐Drug‐Loaded Nanoparticles: Integrating Multitargeted Tumor Therapy and Immune Microenvironment Remodeling via Phototherapy and Apoptosis

Lixuan Zang, Haomiao Zhu, Bohan Chen, Feng Sun, Jinhua Zhang, Huarong Shao, Yishu Wang, Fei Liu, Haining Tan, Peixue Ling

Small Structures· Volume 6· Issue 11

Abstract

Activating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway cancer therapy holds significant theoretical and clinical implications in cancer therapy. However, the complex regulation of tumorigenesis limits the efficacy of single‐target therapeutic approaches. This article introduces a novel antitumor nanoparticle (ICG‐HA‐ADH‐CBA‐TATKLA, IHTK), which combines glycosaminoglycan (hyaluronic acid, HA), proapoptotic fusion peptide (TAT‐KLA), and photothermal/photodynamic agent (indocyanine green, ICG). The nanoparticle enables precise tumor targeting and enhance ICG accumulation, generating substantial reactive oxygen species under near‐infrared irradiation. This process upregulates damage‐associated molecular patterns, including ATP, calreticulin (CRT), and HMGB1, to induce immunogenic cell death. Consequently, immune cell infiltration is promoted, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) is remodeled. Furthermore, the acidic TME triggers the release of TAT‐KLA (TK) through the nanoparticle's pH‐responsiveness, facilitating the rapid mitochondrial localization of TK. This mechanism disrupts mitochondrial membrane potential, enhances permeability, promotes Cytochrome C release, and activates caspase cascades to directly induce tumor cell apoptosis. In tumor‐bearing mice, IHTK effectively suppressed tumor progression and prolonged survival. In summary, IHTK, based on a multitarget regulation strategy, achieves TME‐responsive precision delivery, multipathway coordinated apoptosis induction, and immunomodulatory TME remodeling for synergistic therapeutic efficacy. This approach offers both a theoretical foundation and innovative insights for antitumor drug development.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics · Immune cells in cancer · Immunotherapy and Immune Responses

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

National Glycoengineering Research Center Shandong University Qingdao 266237 China

Shandong Engineering Research Center for Efficient Preparation and Application of Sugar and Sugar Complex National‐Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Polysaccharide Drugs Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences Jinan 250101 China

NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Carbohydrate‐Based Medicine Shandong Provincial Technology Innovation Center of Carbohydrate Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate and Glycoconjugate Drugs Shandong University Qingdao 266237 China

Department of Pharmacy Qilu Hospital Shandong University No.107 Cultural West Road Jinan 250012 China

School of Pharmaceutical Science Shandong University Jinan 250012 China

College of Pharmacy Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Jinan 250000 China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · Key Technologies Research and Development Program

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