Epigenetic reprogramming of carrier free photodynamic modulator to activate tumor immunotherapy by EZH2 inhibition

Tumor cells are characterized by unlimited proliferation and escape of immune clearance, which are closely associated with the down regulation of surface antigens. In this work, a carrier free photodynamic modulator (CeTaz) is developed to improve immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and promote the recognition of tumors by T cells by epigenetic reprogramming. Specifically, CeTaz is assembled by chlorine e6 (Ce6) and tazemetostat (Taz) through intermolecular interactions. Upon light irradiation, CeTaz is able to promote the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for a robust photodynamic therapy (PDT) to inhibit localized tumor growth. Meanwhile, the PDT also induces immunogenic cell death (ICD) to initiate immune response, leading to the activation of effector T cells. More importantly, CeTaz could inhibit the epigenetic regulator of EZH2 to suppress the methylation of H3K27, which would promote tumor cells to express MHC-I and release CXCL10. Consequently, the epigenetically reprogrammed tumor cells are readily recognized by effector T cells to enhance the antitumor immunity. Results indicate that the PDT activated immunotherapy of CeTaz could simultaneously inhibit the growth of primary and distant tumors with a low system toxicity. This study would advance the development of carrier free nanomedicine for precise treatment of metastatic tumor.

Automated summary

In this study, a carrier free photodynamic modulator (CeTaz) was developed to improve the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and promote T cell recognition of tumors by epigenetic reprogramming. CeTaz, assembled by chlorine e6 (Ce6) and tazemetostat (Taz), exhibited robust photodynamic therapy (PDT) and induced immunogenic cell death (ICD) to activate effector T cells. Furthermore, CeTaz suppressed the methylation of H3K27 and promoted the expression of MHC-I and CXCL10 in tumor cells, enhancing antitumor immunity. The PDT activated immunotherapy of CeTaz inhibited both primary and distant tumor growth with low system toxicity, contributing to the development of carrier free nanomedicine for precise treatment of metastatic tumors.