TheranosticsPub Date : 2025-05-09eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.7150/thno.114676
Zhiguang Chen, Liang Sang, Donglin Bian, Yanjun Liu, Zhiqun Bai
{"title":"Piezo-catalytic immunotherapy: mechanisms and feasibility in cancer treatment.","authors":"Zhiguang Chen, Liang Sang, Donglin Bian, Yanjun Liu, Zhiqun Bai","doi":"10.7150/thno.114676","DOIUrl":"10.7150/thno.114676","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Over the past decade, immunotherapy has revolutionized the clinical management of numerous cancer types. However, only a subset of patients derives long-term durable tumor control from it. Intriguingly, several emerging therapeutic strategies harnessing reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated immunogenic cell death (ICD) hold promise for enabling precision immunotherapy in cancer, with sonodynamic therapy emerging as a notable example. The utilization of piezoelectric materials as sonosensitizers can effectively enhance ROS production, thereby augmenting the efficacy of ICD-induced immunotherapy. Additionally, electrical stimulation generated by the piezoelectric effect can further induce immune response activation and necroptosis, achieving a synergistic effect in piezo-catalytic immunotherapy. Herein, we will systematically review the pathways and potential mechanisms underlying piezo-catalytic immunotherapy, offering novel insights for the exploration of cancer immunotherapy strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":22932,"journal":{"name":"Theranostics","volume":"15 13","pages":"6236-6252"},"PeriodicalIF":12.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12159825/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144302889","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Antioxidant nanozymes: current status and future perspectives in spinal cord injury treatments.","authors":"Yanming Ma, Jingxin Pan, Cheng Ju, Xiaojun Yu, Yingguang Wang, Ruoyu Li, Huimin Hu, Xiaodong Wang, Dingjun Hao","doi":"10.7150/thno.114836","DOIUrl":"10.7150/thno.114836","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life - altering neurological condition that carries significant global morbidity and mortality. It results in the disruption of motor and sensory pathways below the site of injury, often leading to permanent functional impairments and severely diminished quality of life. Despite decades of clinical and research efforts, current treatment options remain largely supportive, with limited success in promoting meaningful functional recovery or neural regeneration. In recent years, nanozymes have emerged as a promising frontier in the therapeutic landscape for SCI. These nanomaterial - based artificial enzymes offer several compelling advantages over their natural counterparts, including superior stability under physiological conditions, adjustable catalytic activity, cost - effective production, and prolonged shelf life. Unlike traditional therapeutic agents, nanozymes can be engineered to closely mimic the activity of key endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. By scavenging reactive oxygen species and attenuating oxidative damage, nanozymes help preserve neuronal integrity and support the intrinsic repair processes of the central nervous system. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying SCI and examines the classification and catalytic principles governing nanozyme activity. We delve into the molecular pathways through which nanozymes exert their neuroprotective effects, particularly their roles in modulating oxidative stress and suppressing inflammatory responses following injury. Additionally, we explore the current challenges associated with nanozyme development, such as biocompatibility, targeted delivery, and long - term safety, and discuss future directions for optimizing their therapeutic potential in clinical applications. By synthesizing emerging insights into antioxidant nanozyme - based strategies, this review aims to contribute to the evolving landscape of SCI treatment and to highlight the transformative potential of nanozymes in advancing neuroregenerative medicine. These innovative agents represent a new horizon in SCI management, offering renewed hope for improving neurological outcomes and quality of life in affected individuals.</p>","PeriodicalId":22932,"journal":{"name":"Theranostics","volume":"15 13","pages":"6146-6183"},"PeriodicalIF":12.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12159832/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144302854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
TheranosticsPub Date : 2025-05-08eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.7150/thno.107791
Dongqing Wu, Hang Shu, Mengmeng Zhang, Xiaoli Wei, Jingjing Ji, Haiyuan Shen, Hejiao Zhang, Linxi Xie, Liangliang Zhou, Lei Yang, Jiali Jiang, Chen Chen, Shanfei Tian, Xinru Zhang, Xu Long, Xiaoyan He, Hua Wang
{"title":"Mannosylated neutrophil vesicles targeting macrophages alleviate liver inflammation by delivering CRISPR/Cas9 RNPs.","authors":"Dongqing Wu, Hang Shu, Mengmeng Zhang, Xiaoli Wei, Jingjing Ji, Haiyuan Shen, Hejiao Zhang, Linxi Xie, Liangliang Zhou, Lei Yang, Jiali Jiang, Chen Chen, Shanfei Tian, Xinru Zhang, Xu Long, Xiaoyan He, Hua Wang","doi":"10.7150/thno.107791","DOIUrl":"10.7150/thno.107791","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Inflammation is a key driver of various liver diseases. NLRP3 inflammasome in hepatic macrophages is a key mediator of inflammation and has emerged as a promising target. Genome editing presents a powerful approach to modulate inflammation by directly disrupting genes such as NLRP3 directly. However, efficient and cell-specific delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) remains challenging. <b>Methods:</b> We developed a novel delivery system by encapsulating CRISPR/Cas9 RNPs within mannosylated neutrophil membranes vesicles (Cas9/gNLRP3@M-N) to enhance targeting hepatic macrophages. <b>Results:</b> Cas9/gNLRP3@M-N selectively accumulated in hepatic macrophages, effectively disrupted the NLRP3 gene, attenuated inflammation in acute fulminant hepatitis, and improved disease outcomes in chronic steatohepatitis model. <b>Conclusions:</b> Cas9/gNLRP3@M-N represents a promising targeted gene-editing approach for the treatment of inflammatory liver diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":22932,"journal":{"name":"Theranostics","volume":"15 13","pages":"6221-6235"},"PeriodicalIF":12.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12159820/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144302886","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
TheranosticsPub Date : 2025-05-08eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.7150/thno.111583
Peifen Lu, Hongxiu Yuan, Gang Wang, Yixi Dong, Runyu Zhao, Jia Man, Jianwei Jiao, Zhaoyin Wang, Jin Jiao
{"title":"Programmatically activated DNA hydrogel microcapsules for precision therapy in inflammatory bowel disease.","authors":"Peifen Lu, Hongxiu Yuan, Gang Wang, Yixi Dong, Runyu Zhao, Jia Man, Jianwei Jiao, Zhaoyin Wang, Jin Jiao","doi":"10.7150/thno.111583","DOIUrl":"10.7150/thno.111583","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Rationale:</b> DNA-based nanomedicines have shown significant therapeutic potential for various diseases; however, efficiently utilizing DNA nanomedicines without chemicals or small-molecule drugs is still a major challenge. <b>Methods:</b> In this study, we presented programmed activated DNA hydrogel microcapsules (HAMs) specifically designed for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It was constructed by encapsulating a DNA hydrogel in sodium alginate microcapsules (AMs) shells. The DNA hydrogel is self-assembled from aptamer-functionalized tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDNs) with anti-inflammatory properties and a Y-shaped DNA scaffold in response to ATP. This design provides HAMs with characteristics of precisely targeted release and enhanced local concentrations, thus ensuring better therapeutic outcomes. <b>Results:</b> HAMs exhibited a multistage response to intestinal fluids, a characteristic positive charge at IBD lesions, a high concentration of ATP in the inflammatory microenvironment, and high expression of the membrane protein TLR4 on immune cells, thereby enabling precisely targeted therapy for IBD. Both <i>in vivo</i> and <i>in vitro</i> studies demonstrated that this system possessed precise targeting ability and excellent stability. In a dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis model, we demonstrated that HAMs effectively alleviate IBD by reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines, restoring the intestinal barrier, and modulating the diversity of the gut microbiota. Furthermore, no significant long-term toxicity of HAMs was detected in the treated mice. <b>Conclusions:</b> This stable, specific, and highly biocompatible system of programmatically activated HAMs overcomes the challenges associated with developing pure DNA nanostructures for therapy and presents a promising approach for IBD treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":22932,"journal":{"name":"Theranostics","volume":"15 13","pages":"6203-6220"},"PeriodicalIF":12.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12159827/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144302820","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Challenges and opportunities for the diverse substrates of SPOP E3 ubiquitin ligase in cancer.","authors":"Xiaojuan Yang, Jiang Zhu, Xue Tao, Fengwei Gao, Yunshi Cai, Yinghao Lv, Sinan Xie, Kunlin Xie, Tian Lan, Junhong Han, Hong Wu","doi":"10.7150/thno.113356","DOIUrl":"10.7150/thno.113356","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Speckle-type POZ protein (SPOP), a substrate adaptor of the cullin-RING E3 ligase complex, mediates both the degradation and non-degradative ubiquitination of substrates, which are crucial for regulating various biological functions and cellular processes. Dysregulation of SPOP-mediated ubiquitination has been implicated in several cancers. Emerging evidence suggests that SPOP functions as a double-edged sword: acting as a tumor suppressor in prostate cancer (PCa), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and colorectal cancer (CRC), while potentially serving as an oncoprotein in kidney cancer (KC). Therefore, SPOP's role in tumorigenesis appears to be tissue- or context-dependent. Numerous downstream substrates of SPOP have been identified across various cancers, where they regulate carcinogenesis, metabolic reprogramming, cell death, immune evasion, therapy resistance, and tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling. However, the definitive role of SPOP in these cancers requires further investigation. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms of SPOP in different cancer types will provide new insights into its function in oncogenesis, potentially advancing anti-cancer drug development. Here, we summarize the latest findings on SPOP's functions and structural features, its regulatory mechanisms, the roles of its substrates in various cancers, and SPOP-targeting strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":22932,"journal":{"name":"Theranostics","volume":"15 13","pages":"6111-6145"},"PeriodicalIF":12.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12159753/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144302868","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
TheranosticsPub Date : 2025-05-08eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.7150/thno.108289
Wenchang Lv, Yue Zhang, Yiping Wu, Hongbo Chen
{"title":"Orthogonal upconversion supramolecular microneedles promote endogenous ferroptosis in keloids.","authors":"Wenchang Lv, Yue Zhang, Yiping Wu, Hongbo Chen","doi":"10.7150/thno.108289","DOIUrl":"10.7150/thno.108289","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Keloids represent a type of tumor-like fibroproliferative disease, which can not only cause aesthetic damage but also threaten health. Current therapies often lack precision and efficacy, necessitating minimally invasive and targeted strategies. <b>Methods:</b> This study developed orthogonal upconversion supramolecular microneedles (OUSMNs) integrated with surface-functionalized upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) for intelligent keloid therapy. The UCNPs were functionalized by the ferritin homing peptide (HKN<sub>15</sub>) and a photosensitizer (rose Bengal), which could target keloid fibroblast (KF) and generate singlet oxygen (<sup>1</sup>O<sub>2</sub>), thereby inducing endogenous ferroptosis. Mechanistic effects on PI3K-AKT, mTOR, and ferroptosis pathways were analyzed by transcriptome analysis and rescue experiments. <b>Results:</b> The OUSMNs are strong and tough to effectively penetrate the fibroproliferative tissue, and can rapidly dissolve in keloids within 60 s, which makes the UCNPs easy to target the KF by the ferritin-homing peptide HKN<sub>15</sub> on the particle surface. The targeting process can be tracked by the red-color upconversion emission under 980 nm laser. On the other hand, upon 808 nm laser irradiation, the UCNPs can lead to the generation of <sup>1</sup>O<sub>2</sub>. The <sup>1</sup>O<sub>2</sub> not only result in endogenous ferroptosis by destroying the ferritin, but also give rise to synergistic photodynamic therapy that can effectively combat keloids through inhibiting the PI3K-AKT and mTOR pathways while activating the ferroptosis pathway. <b>Conclusions:</b> The proposed OUSMNs promise practical applications for minimally invasive, precise and intelligent keloid therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":22932,"journal":{"name":"Theranostics","volume":"15 13","pages":"6184-6202"},"PeriodicalIF":12.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12159835/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144302888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
TheranosticsPub Date : 2025-05-07eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.7150/thno.110322
Jung Hwa Ko, Hyun Ju Lee, Hyeon Ji Kim, Jin Suk Ryu, Yoo Rim Choi, Chang Ho Yoon, Hyun Beom Song, Donghyun Kim, Ryang Hwa Lee, Joo Youn Oh
{"title":"Toll-like receptor 2 deficiency exacerbates corneal angiogenesis in injury by impairing regulatory T cells.","authors":"Jung Hwa Ko, Hyun Ju Lee, Hyeon Ji Kim, Jin Suk Ryu, Yoo Rim Choi, Chang Ho Yoon, Hyun Beom Song, Donghyun Kim, Ryang Hwa Lee, Joo Youn Oh","doi":"10.7150/thno.110322","DOIUrl":"10.7150/thno.110322","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 is a primary sensor of injury, and regulatory T cells (Tregs) are crucial mediators of tissue homeostasis. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether TLR2 is necessary for Treg-mediated restoration of corneal homeostasis following injury. <b>Methods:</b> We evaluated inflammatory corneal neovascularization and the proportions of Tregs, along with pro-angiogenic, pro-inflammatory monocytes, using a suture-induced corneal angiogenesis model in mice that either lacked TLR2 or were subjected to temporary TLR2 inhibition. The roles of injury-induced Tregs in corneal angiogenesis were further verified <i>in vivo</i> through adoptive transfer and <i>in vitro</i> using cultures of vascular endothelial cells. <b>Results:</b> Inflammatory corneal neovascularization was significantly more pronounced in TLR2 knockout mice compared to wild-type mice, while no differences were observed in TLR4 knockout mice. Temporary TLR2 inhibition also exacerbated corneal neovascularization, whereas TLR4 inhibition did not. Mechanistically, corneal injury induced an increase in Tregs in wild-type mice, which was absent in TLR2 knockout mice. Conversely, pro-angiogenic, pro-inflammatory monocytes were elevated in TLR2 knockout mice. Adoptive transfer of injury-induced Tregs from wild-type to TLR2 knockout mice reduced corneal neovascularization and decreased the number of monocytes. Functional assays demonstrated that Tregs from TLR2 knockout mice exhibited lower cell proliferation and IL-10 secretion, but increased IFN-γ secretion compared to Tregs from wild-type mice. Furthermore, TLR2 knockout Tregs were less effective at inducing apoptosis and suppressing pro-inflammatory activation and tube formation of vascular endothelial cells than their wild-type counterparts. <b>Conclusion:</b> Our findings suggest an expanded role for TLR2 in promoting corneal angiogenic and immunologic homeostasis during injury by regulating Treg numbers and functions.</p>","PeriodicalId":22932,"journal":{"name":"Theranostics","volume":"15 13","pages":"6082-6099"},"PeriodicalIF":12.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12159752/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144302823","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
TheranosticsPub Date : 2025-05-07eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.7150/thno.109243
Yi Yang, Ming Zhou, Shuang Zhao, Tingting Long, Na Chen, Xingming Wang, Yulai Li, Xiaozhen Chen, Junchen Chen, Xinqiong Huang, Dengming Chen, Juan Su, Shuo Hu, Xiang Chen
{"title":"First-in-human PET imaging and evaluation of melanin-targeted [<sup>18</sup>F]DMPY2 in malignant melanoma patients.","authors":"Yi Yang, Ming Zhou, Shuang Zhao, Tingting Long, Na Chen, Xingming Wang, Yulai Li, Xiaozhen Chen, Junchen Chen, Xinqiong Huang, Dengming Chen, Juan Su, Shuo Hu, Xiang Chen","doi":"10.7150/thno.109243","DOIUrl":"10.7150/thno.109243","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Aim:</b> Early diagnosis and accurate malignant melanoma (MM) staging are significant and decisive in clinical practice. [<sup>18</sup>F]DMPY2 is a promising PET tracer <i>in vivo</i> with high affinity and selectivity for melanin. The study aims to investigate the biodistribution and radiation dosimetry in healthy volunteers, and the potential clinical application of [<sup>18</sup>F]DMPY2 in MM patients. <b>Materials and Methods</b>: [<sup>18</sup>F]DMPY2 was synthesized via a one-pot reaction. The biodistribution, radiation dosimetry, and probe safety were estimated in three healthy volunteers. Thirty-one MM patients underwent [<sup>18</sup>F]DMPY2 and/or [<sup>18</sup>F]FDG PET/CT scans to explore the clinical use in early detection of melanoma metastasis. Diagnostic performance was assessed in fifty-one LN basins of twenty-seven MM patients after surgery, comparing PET uptake with pathological results. <b>Results</b>: [<sup>18</sup>F]DMPY2 was well tolerated by healthy volunteers and MM patients. The calculated effective dose of [<sup>18</sup>F]DMPY2 was 0.0122 mSv/MBq. In MM patients, we observed prominent [<sup>18</sup>F]DMPY2 tumor uptake and high tumor-to-background ratios in primary tumors. [<sup>18</sup>F]DMPY2 showed superior diagnostic performance in lymph node metastases compared to [<sup>18</sup>F]FDG, with sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values of 66.7%, 100%, 88.9%, 100% and 85.7%, respectively, versus 50%, 42.9%, 46.7%, 50% and 42.9% for [<sup>18</sup>F]FDG. Additionally, [<sup>18</sup>F]DMPY2 PET imaging had a unique advantage in distinguishing [<sup>18</sup>F]FDG false-positive lesions. <b>Conclusion</b>: [<sup>18</sup>F]DMPY2 is a safe and well-tolerated melanin PET tracer and can be a powerful imaging tool for early detection and clinical staging of patients with MM.</p>","PeriodicalId":22932,"journal":{"name":"Theranostics","volume":"15 13","pages":"6100-6110"},"PeriodicalIF":12.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12159754/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144302873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}