1. 核酸材料介导的免疫研究
2. 金属元素的免疫功能研究
3. 多功能纳米药物的开发及肿瘤免疫治疗应用
Nucleic Acid Materials-mediated Immune Activation
Abnormal localized nucleic acids (NAs) are considered as pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) in innate immunity. They could trigger NAs-specific pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), leading to the activation of the associated signaling pathways and the subsequent production of type I interferon (IFN) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The activation of innate immunity could further trigger the adaptive immunity. Thus, utilizing the instinct immunogenicity of NAs could open up possibilities for cancer immunotherapy. We have developed nucleic acid materials (NAMs) with high-order structures that exhibited strong ability to enhance PRR activation and amplify anti-tumor immune responses.
Metal-mediated Immune Regulation and Interventions
Metals are essential components in living systems. Metal ions as well as metalloproteins play an important role in almost all life processes, including materials storage and transportation, energy conversion and transfer, signal transduction and regulation, and molecules synthesis and degradation. Metals are also key players in immune system, especially the regulation of immune response, and misregulation of metals often cause a broad range of diseases. In recent years, cancer immunotherapy has shown significant promise and made people see the hope of curing cancer. The important role of metal elements in immune response and cancer therapy is gradually receiving attention. We have elucidated the immune regulation effects of zinc ions overload in tumors and demonstrated its significant potential in cancer immunotherapy.
Multifunctional Nanomedicine for Cancer Immunotherapy
Several cancer immunotherapy approaches have been introduced into the clinics and they have shown remarkable therapeutic potentials. Although targeted immunotherapies such as immune check point inhibitors, DNA vaccination and CAR-T therapy are revolutionizing cancer treatment, the delivery efficacy can be further improved while their off-target toxicity can be mitigated through nanotechnology approaches. In addition, the function of host immune stimulatory signals and tumor immunotherapies can further be improved by repurposing of nanomedicine platform.