Metal-organic frameworks-based nanomedicines to promote cancer immunotherapy: Recent advances and future directions

Abstract

Cancer immunotherapy uses the body's immune system to fight tumors by restoring natural antitumor responses. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), characterized by their unique crystalline porous structures formed from metal ions linked by organic ligands, offer a promising solution. Recent studies have unveiled the potential of MOFs in cancer immunotherapy. The exceptional porosity and surface area, coupled with their extraordinary thermal and chemical stability, bring significant advantages for efficient drug loading and delivery of immunotherapeutic agents. The adaptability of MOFs further enhances the controlled release of immunotherapeutic drugs within target cells and increases tumor sensitivity to other therapies such as photodynamic, photothermal, and radiotherapy. This multifunctional carrier contributes to modulating the tumor microenvironment and reactivating antitumor immunity, providing a comprehensive strategy for cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the applications of MOFs in immune checkpoint blockade, immunomodulator delivery, and cancer vaccine delivery, and discuss existing challenges in their use for immunotherapy. This discussion aims to offer insights for developing better treatments and enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapy.