Exosomes hold great potential in therapeutic development. However, native exosomes usually induce insufficient effects in vivo and simply act as drug delivery vehicles. Herein, we synthesize responsive exosome nano‐bioconjugates for cancer therapy. Azide‐modified exosomes derived from M1 macrophages are conjugated with dibenzocyclooctyne‐modified antibodies of CD47 and SIRPα (aCD47 and aSIRPα) through pH‐sensitive linkers. After systemic administration, the nano‐bioconjugates can actively target tumors through the specific recognition between aCD47 and CD47 on the tumor cell surface. In the acidic tumor microenvironment, the benzoic‐imine bonds of the nano‐bioconjugates are cleaved to release aSIRPα and aCD47 that can, respectively, block SIRPα on macrophages and CD47, leading to abolished “don't eat me” signaling and improved phagocytosis of macrophages. Meanwhile, the native M1 exosomes effectively reprogram the macrophages from pro‐tumoral M2 to anti‐tumoral M1.
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases worldwide, and alleviating inflammation is a promising strategy for AS treatment. Here, we report molecularly engineered M2 macrophage‐derived exosomes (M2 Exo) with inflammation‐tropism and anti‐inflammatory capabilities for AS imaging and therapy. M2 Exo are derived from M2 macrophages and further electroporated with FDA‐approved hexyl 5‐aminolevulinate hydrochloride (HAL). After systematic administration, the engineered M2 Exo exhibit excellent inflammation‐tropism and anti‐inflammation effects via the surface‐bonded chemokine receptors and the anti‐inflammatory cytokines released from the anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophages. Moreover, the encapsulated HAL can undergo intrinsic biosynthesis and metabolism of heme to generate anti‐inflammatory carbon monoxide and bilirubin, which further enhance the anti‐inflammation effects and finally alleviate AS. Meanwhile, the intermediate protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) of the heme biosynthesis pathway permits the fluorescence imaging and tracking of AS.
Although adoptive T-cell therapy has been successful in hematological malignancy treatment, its application in solid tumors remains a great challenge. Here, using a pH-sensitive benzoic−imine bond and inverse electrondemand Diels−Alder cycloaddition, we prepared magnetic nanoclusters (NCs) armed with responsive PD-1 antibody (aP), which could then bind onto effector T cells due to their PD-1 expression. After adoptive transfer, the magnetization and superparamagnetism of NCs enabled us to magnetically recruit effector T cells and aP simultaneously to tumor sites with MRI guidance. Owing to the acidic intratumoral microenvironment, the benzoic−imine bond then hydrolyzed, leading to the release of aP. The therapeutic effects of adoptive T cells and free aP could thus be spatiotemporally coupled. As a result, we achieved inhibition of tumor growth with few side effects, demonstrating the great promise of such a chemical approach for safe and high-performance adoptive T-cell therapy against solid tumors.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) hold great potential in both disease treatment and drug delivery. However, accurate drug release from EVs, as well as the spontaneous treatment effect cooperation of EVs and drugs at target tissues, is still challenging. Here, an engineered self‐activatable photo‐EV for synergistic trimodal anticancer therapy is reported. M1 macrophage‐derived EVs (M1 EVs) are simultaneously loaded with bis[2,4,5‐trichloro‐6‐(pentyloxycarbonyl) phenyl] oxalate (CPPO), chlorin e6 (Ce6), and prodrug aldoxorubicin (Dox‐EMCH). After administration, the as‐prepared system actively targets tumor cells because of the tumor‐homing capability of M1 EVs, wherein M1 EVs repolarize M2 to M1 macrophages, which not only display immunotherapy effects but also produce H2O2. The reaction between H2O2 and CPPO generates chemical energy that activates Ce6, creating both chemiluminescence for imaging and singlet oxygen (1O2) for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Meanwhile, 1O2‐induced membrane rupture leads to the release of Dox‐EMCH, which is then activated and penetrates the deep hypoxic areas of tumors. The synergism of immunotherapy, PDT, and chemotherapy results in potent anticancer efficacy, showing great promise to fight cancers.
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