journal article·2026-07Open access

A Targeted Nanozyme for STING Activation Improves BiTEs Therapy Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer

Min Mu, Bo Chen, Hui Li, Chenqian Feng, Susu Xiao, Rangrang Fan, Aiping Tong, Nianyong Chen, Gang Guo

Small· Volume 22· Issue 38

Abstract

ABSTRACT Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer‐related mortality worldwide, with limited efficacy of conventional therapies due to immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments and high recurrence. While bispecific T‐cell engagers (BiTEs) show promise by engaging T cells against tumors, their clinical translation is hindered by poor stability, on‐target off‐tumor effect, and systemic toxicity. Herein, we develop a tumor‐targeted nanozyme (MnO 2 ‐dsDNA@BiTE/APT) that co‐delivers hydrolytically stable double‐strand DNA (dsDNA: a STING agonist) and PD‐L1/CD3 BiTE to overcome these limitations. The nanozyme leverages MnO 2 as a carrier for dsDNA, surface‐loaded with BiTE via polyphenol‐protein coordination, and functionalized with an aptamer (APT) for active targeting. Upon systemic administration, the nanozyme accumulates in tumors, releasing dsDNA, Mn 2+ , and BiTE. The synergistically activates the STING pathway to remodel the immunosuppressive microenvironment and enhances T cell‐mediated cytotoxicity. This strategy represents a promising approach for potentiating immunotherapy in CRC by integrating innate immune activation with adaptive T cell engagement.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics · interferon and immune responses · Advanced Nanomaterials in Catalysis

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

Affiliations

Department of Biotherapy Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy Department of Radiation Oncology and Department of Head and Neck Oncology West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China

Department of Pharmacy Chongqing University Cancer Hospital Chongqing China

Department of Neurosurgery West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China

Funding

China Postdoctoral Science Foundation · National Natural Science Foundation of China

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