An artificial-enzyme-equipped immunoregulator blocks platelet-mediated breast cancer hematogenous metastasis.

Hu, Ben; Lin, Huimin; Quan, Xiaolong; Sun, Fushan; Zhang, Fengling; Zhang, Fang; Wang, Yu; Chang, Yunhua et al. · Biomaterials · 2025

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Platelet activation and adhesion on the surface of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) assist them in surviving within the vasculature and acquiring enhanced migratory potential. Simultaneously, protected by surrounding/covering "micro-thrombi," CTCs evade immune surveillance in circulation, thereby promoting hematogenous tumor metastasis. Based on this, we designed a self-assembling nanoenzyme drug GSNO@B (NO donor-modified GOx self-assembled with the hydrophobic drug BMS-202) against platelet-mediated tumor metastasis. This strategy involves the depletion of glucose by GOx, which inhibits platelets activity and reduces forming the micro-aggregation. Concurrently, the nanoenzyme in situ releases NO further diminishes the protective adhesion and micro-aggregation of platelet on the tumor cells surface, thereby exposing them in shear forces and immune recognition in the circulatory system. Concurrently, the disintegration of the nanoenzyme GSNO@B releases the immune checkpoint inhibitor BMS-202, further facilitating the immune clearance of CTCs. Therefore, through a three-step strategy, GSNO@B effectively suppresses primary tumors growth and metastatic tumors formation by blocking the platelet-mediated hematogenous tumor metastasis pathway.

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