Abstract
Biological targeting is crucial for effective cancer treatment with reduced toxicity but is limited by the availability of tumor surface markers. To overcome this, we developed a nanoparticle-based (NP-based), tumor-specific surface marker–independent (TRACER) targeting approach. Utilizing the unique biodistribution properties of NPs, we encapsulated Ac4ManNAz (Maz) to selectively label tumors with azide-reactive groups. Surprisingly, while NP-delivered Maz was cleared by the liver, it did not label macrophages, potentially reducing off-target effects. To exploit this tumor-specific labeling, we functionalized anti–4-1BB Abs with dibenzo cyclooctyne to target azide-labeled tumor cells and activate the immune response. In syngeneic B16F10 melanoma and orthotopic 4T1 breast cancer models, TRACER enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of anti–4-1BB, increasing the median survival time. Immunofluorescence analyses revealed increased tumor infiltration of CD8+ T and NK cells with TRACER. Importantly, TRACER reduced the hepatotoxicity associated with anti–4-1BB, resulting in normal serum ALT and AST levels and decreased CD8+ T cell infiltration into the liver. Quantitative analysis confirmed a 4.5-fold higher tumor-to-liver ratio of anti–4-1BB accumulation with TRACER compared with conventional anti–4-1BB Abs. Our work provides a promising approach for developing targeted cancer therapies that circumvent limitations imposed by the paucity of tumor-specific markers, potentially improving efficacy and reducing off-target effects to overcome the liver toxicity associated with anti–4-1BB.
Recommended Citation
H. Hyun and B. Sun and M. Yazdimamaghani and A. Wielgus and Y. Wang and S. A. Montgomery and T. Zhang and J. Cheng and J. S. Serody and A. Z. Wang, "Tumor-specific Surface Marker–independent Targeting Of Tumors Through Nanotechnology And Bioorthogonal Glycochemistry," Journal of Clinical Investigation, vol. 135, no. 9, article no. e184964, American Society for Clinical Investigation, May 2025.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI184964
Department(s)
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Publication Status
Open Access
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1558-8238; 0021-9738
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2025 The Authors, All rights reserved.
Creative Commons Licensing
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Publication Date
01 May 2025
PubMed ID
40067370
Comments
University of North Carolina, Grant CA16086