journal article·2026-06Open access

Reinforcing Calcium Overload via Inflammation‐Mediated Targeting to Amplify Pyroptosis and Antitumor Immunity

Yingying Liu, Yang Liu, Qin Fan, Jinqiao Zhang, Kexin Wen, Boyu Yuan, Xianzhou Cai, Ziliang Dong, Lianhui Wang

Advanced Science· Volume 13· Issue 31

Abstract

ABSTRACT Tumor‐associated inflammation presents a promising therapeutic target, yet it remains insufficiently exploited in current nanomedicine approaches. While inflammation‐driven strategies, such as inducing pyroptosis, have the potential to enhance tumor immunity, their limited induction efficiency and poor tumor targeting still pose significant challenges. Herein, we engineer a neutrophil membrane‐camouflaged nanoplatform (RC@NMVs) that exploits tumor inflammation to drive reinforcing calcium dyshomeostasis and pyroptotic amplification. This biomimetic system comprises calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticles co‐loaded with the calcium channel blocker, ruthenium red. Upon internalization by tumor cells, the CaP core dissolves within lysosomes, releasing Ca 2 + ions, while ruthenium red inhibits the Ca 2+ transporting channels, synergistically elevating intracellular Ca 2 + levels. The resulting calcium overload triggers gasdermin‐mediated pyroptosis, characterized by the release of damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and pro‐inflammatory cytokines. The amplified inflammatory microenvironment facilitates the recruitment and tumor accumulation of subsequently administered RC@NMVs. In vivo studies demonstrate enhanced tumor enrichment of RC@NMVs compared to non‐inflamed controls, leading to robust pyroptosis and significant tumor inhibition. Moreover, pyroptosis‐driven inflammation elicits durable antitumor immune responses, effectively preventing tumor recurrence and metastasis. In general, this work presents a biomimetic strategy that harnesses inflammation‐mediated tumor targeting to amplify pyroptosis and immune activation, offering a promising approach for effective cancer therapy.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Inflammasome and immune disorders · Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics · Autophagy in Disease and Therapy

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

Affiliations

Department of Clinical Pharmacy Shandong Key Laboratory of Digital Diagnosis and Treatment of Thoracic Oncology The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital Jinan Shandong P. R. China

Science and Technology Innovation Center Shandong First Medical University& Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences Jinan Shandong P. R. China

Biomedical Sciences College, Shandong Medicinal Biotechnology Centre Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences Jinan Shandong P. R. China

School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology Nanyang Technological University Singapore Singapore

State Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (LoFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM) Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications Nanjing Jiangsu P. R. China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province · Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province

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