Glutathione-Responsive Nanoparticles of Camptothecin Prodrug for Cancer Therapy

Camptothecin (CPT) is a potent chemotherapeutic agent for various cancers, but the broader application of CPT is still hindered by its poor bioavailability and systemic toxicity. Here, a prodrug that releases CPT in response to glutathione (GSH), which is commonly overexpressed by cancer cells is reported. Through assembling with PEGylated lipids, the prodrug is incorporated within as-assembled nanoparticles, affording CPT with a prolonged half-life in blood circulation, enhanced tumor targetingability, and improved therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, such prodrug nanoparticles can also promote dendritic cell maturation and tumor infiltration of CD8(+) T cells, providing a novel strategy to improve the therapeutic efficacy of CPT.

Automated summary

This study reports a prodrug that releases Camptothecin (CPT) in response to glutathione (GSH), aiming to improve its bioavailability and reduce systemic toxicity. By incorporating the prodrug into nanoparticles, it enhances tumor targeting ability and therapeutic efficacy of CPT, as well as promotes immune cell activation and tumor infiltration.