An In Situ Self‐Responsive Nano‐Prodrug to Enable Tumor Chemo‐Metalloimmunotherapy

Abstract Chemotherapy remains a mainstream cancer therapy but is hindered by severe side effects and limited durable cancer control. Smart nanomedicines that integrate prodrug delivery and immune modulation may offer potential opportunities to tackle the daunting challenges. Herein, an acid‐responsive nanocarrier (ZZTA) consisting of ZnO 2 , ZIF‐8, and Zn‐tannic acid is developed. A phenylboronic ester prodrug (BDOX) is synthesized and integrated with ZZTA, creating a multifunctional nano‐prodrug, ZZTA‐BDOX. The yolk‐shell structure of ZZTA prevents premature decomposition of ZnO 2 during circulation, and enables sustained release of Zn 2+ and H 2 O 2 in response to the acidic tumor microenvironment. The generated H 2 O 2 subsequently activates BDOX, releasing cytotoxic DOX intracellularly. Meanwhile, the Zn 2+ released enhances cGAS‐STING signaling, promoting dendritic cell maturation and T cell priming, which results in clear systemic antitumor immune responses. The in vivo study demonstrates that ZZTA‐BDOX nano‐prodrug not only enables efficient tumor inhibition but also suppresses metastasis through immune activation.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2025-11-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202523215
Primary Topic
Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

An In Situ Self‐Responsive Nano‐Prodrug to Enable Tumor Chemo‐Metalloimmunotherapy

Junwei Zhao, Yingpei Yao, Zijie Lu, Chao Fang et al.
Advanced Functional Materials
Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics
article

An In Situ Self‐Responsive Nano‐Prodrug to Enable Tumor Chemo‐Metalloimmunotherapy

Junwei Zhao, Yingpei Yao, Zijie Lu, Chao Fang, Shuyue Chang, Yike Fu, Xiang Li, Yongjun Wu
article en

Abstract

Abstract Chemotherapy remains a mainstream cancer therapy but is hindered by severe side effects and limited durable cancer control. Smart nanomedicines that integrate prodrug delivery and immune modulation may offer potential opportunities to tackle the daunting challenges. Herein, an acid‐responsive nanocarrier (ZZTA) consisting of ZnO 2 , ZIF‐8, and Zn‐tannic acid is developed. A phenylboronic ester prodrug (BDOX) is synthesized and integrated with ZZTA, creating a multifunctional nano‐prodrug, ZZTA‐BDOX. The yolk‐shell structure of ZZTA prevents premature decomposition of ZnO 2 during circulation, and enables sustained release of Zn 2+ and H 2 O 2 in response to the acidic tumor microenvironment. The generated H 2 O 2 subsequently activates BDOX, releasing cytotoxic DOX intracellularly. Meanwhile, the Zn 2+ released enhances cGAS‐STING signaling, promoting dendritic cell maturation and T cell priming, which results in clear systemic antitumor immune responses. The in vivo study demonstrates that ZZTA‐BDOX nano‐prodrug not only enables efficient tumor inhibition but also suppresses metastasis through immune activation.

Advanced Functional Materials
Zhejiang Sci-Tech University (CN), Zhejiang University of Science and Technology (CN), Zhejiang Chem-tech Group (China) (CN), Beijing Academy of Science and Technology (CN), Zhejiang University (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 64%
Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics
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An In Situ Self‐Responsive Nano‐Prodrug to Enable Tumor Chemo‐Metalloimmunotherapy — Junwei Zhao, Yingpei Yao, et al. · Advanced Functional Materials (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS