Using Nanoparticles For In Situ Vaccination Against Cancer: Mechanisms and Immunotherapy benefits

Abstract

Immunotherapy to treat cancer is now an established clinical approach. Immunotherapy can be applied systemically, as done with checkpoint blockade antibodies, but it can also be injected directly into identified tumors, in a strategy of in situ vaccination (ISV). ISV is designed to stimulate a strong local antitumor immune response involving both innate and adaptive immune cells, and through this generate a systemic antitumor immune response against metastatic tumors. A variety of ISVs have been utilized to generate an immunostimulatory tumor microenvironment (TME). These include attenuated microorganisms, recombinant proteins, small molecules, physical disruptors of TME (alternating magnetic and focused ultrasound heating, photothermal therapy and radiotherapy), and more recently nanoparticles (NPs). NPs are attractive and unique since they can load multiple drugs or other reagents to influence immune and cancer cell functions in the TME, affording a unique opportunity to stimulate antitumor immunity. Here, we describe the NP-ISV therapeutic mechanisms, review chemically synthesized NPs (i.e. liposomes, polymeric, chitosan based, inorganic NPs, etc.), biologically derived NPs (virus and bacteria based NPs), and energy activated NP-ISVs in the context of their use as local ISV. Data suggests that NP-ISVs can enhance outcomes of immunotherapeutic regimens including those utilizing tumor hyperthermia and checkpoint blockade therapies.

1. Introduction

Clinically detectable tumors typically generate an immune suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) that enables them to evade immune-surveillance^1–3. To address this, immunotherapy agents that reverse or circumvent immune suppression and stimulate immune cell activation against tumor cells are increasingly being utilized clinically^4,5. Currently, this is most frequently attempted using immunotherapies that block the negative signaling between innate immune cells or tumor cells, and T cells, using “checkpoint blockade” antibodies that disrupt suppressive signaling to T cells through anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein (CTLA)-4, anti-programmed cell death (PD)-1, and anti-PD-ligand (PD-L) monoclonal antibodies^6,7. Other immunotherapy approaches include chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy^8–10 or T-VEC, a modified oncolytic herpes virus that expresses GM-CSF^11,12. Although of value for a minority of patients, the success of immunotherapy approaches are often dependent on the baseline tumor-recognizing innate and T cells¹³. One approach to achieve an immune stimulatory TME can be by in situ vaccination (ISV). ISV treatments are administered locally in solid tumors¹⁴. This can be done using local application of immunostimulatory reagents or by physical treatments; all of which generate a robust local antitumor immune response and expand the population of tumor-recognizing effector T cells to systemically combat metastatic disease.

A variety of ISVs with enhanced efficacy and reduced systemic and autoimmune toxicities have been reported^15–21. In particular, the use of nanoparticle-(NP)-ISV agents is highly appealing. NP’s tunability of size, shape, surface charge, and biocompatibility along with their high surface area-to-volume ratio and physical properties (e.g. photothermal, magnetic, etc.) provide unique opportunities for the alteration of the TME. Therapeutically, NPs can directly stimulate or release encapsulated immunostimulatory molecules within TME to modulate tumor antigen presentation and generate tumor-recognizing effector T cells. NP-ISVs can also be incorporated in combinatorial immunotherapeutic regimens against a variety of tumor types to improve outcomes. Here, we review ISV usage of both chemically synthesized NPs (organic and inorganic), biological agents that are NPs by size or have physio-chemical properties of NPs, including viral- and bacterial-based NPs, and device (focused ultrasound, photothermal, and magnetic) directed NP-ISVs for cancer immunotherapy. The relevant classes and the subclasses of NPs and the treatment approaches are illustrated in Figure 1.

Fig.1.

NP-ISV classes and therapeutic approaches. NP-ISVs are chemically synthesized or derived from biological agents. NP-ISVs can be utilized for multiple functions such as antigen capture, immune adjuvants, gene and drug delivery, immune cell targeting, or amplified via external devices to induce local and systemic anti-tumor immunity.

2. NP-ISV Background, Principles and Challenges

NPs are variably defined, but typically are below 100 nm in at least one dimension, and have various shapes (e.g spheres, rods, stars, triangles, bars, prisms, icosahedrals, dodecahedrons etc.). NPs have been found to be adept at loading/encapsulating drug molecules and deliver them in a sustained manner to solid tumors following intravenous injections using the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect^22,23. In fact, EPR methodology is the primary method for enhancing tumor delivery and therapeutic effects of FDA-approved Doxil®²⁴. In contrast to EPR-based targeting, NP-ISVs relies on their direct injection in the TME, and is described below.

TME is composed of both tumor and non-tumor cells (fibroblasts, tumor associated macrophages (TAMs), dendritic and T-cells) and extracellular materials²⁵. Of these, TAMs can constitute ~50% of the total tumoral cellular population in TME²⁶. TAMs can be of antitumoral (M1 phenotype) or protumoral (M2 phenotype). TAMs with M2-like phenotype secretes immunosuppressive cytokines like IL-23, IL-17, IL-6 to cause metastasis and promote cancer stem cells^27–29. Thus, reducing the populations of M2 macrophages should be the key goal of NP-ISVs. Approaches to address these can be illustrated by the targeting of NP-ISVs to individual immune cells [i.e., CD8+-targeting NPs via anti-PD-1³⁰, conjugated anti-CD8 antibodies³¹ or conjugated anti-CD2 antibodies³²; T_reg-targeting NPs via glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related receptor (GITR)^30,33, Nrp1 receptor³⁴ or conjugated anti-CD4 antibodies³²; DC-targeting NPs via CD40^35,36, DEC-205^35,37, CD11c³⁵]. Alternatively, the NP-ISVs physicochemical properties can be altered to enhance the activity of immune and cancer cells in the TME.

The detailed review of how the NPs size, shape, surface, and charge influences the phagocytosis and inflammatory functions of innate immune cells (dendritic cells and macrophages) have been elegantly discussed by Liu et al. and others^38,39. To summarize (Table 1), the innate cells endocytose smaller NPs (~10-100nm) via. the clathrin mediated pathway. In contrast, micropinocytosis is the primary trafficking mechanism for uptake of larger particles (~500nm). Along with size, the rate of NP phagocytosis is also dependent on its surface charge. In general, the anionic particles show minimal interactions with the negatively-charged cell membrane and thus are anti-inflammatory, whereas the more cationic NPs demonstrate robust uptake to induce a pro-inflammatory phenotype in the macrophages⁴⁰. Both macrophages and DCs efficiently internalize the NPs, however, the antigen presentation can be influenced by the particle composition⁴¹. In one study with amphiphilic poly(γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) NPs containing variable levels of hydrophobic amino acid ethyl esters (AAE), the hydrophobic segments were found to discretely control the induction of cellular and humoral immunity by the dendritic cells⁴². Similarly, Moyano et al. investigating gold NPs with various levels of surface hydrophobicities showed that the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines from the splenocytes was proportional to the hydrophobicity of the NPs in vitro and in vivo⁴³. Another aspect of NPs that determine their detection by the macrophages is the presence of protein corona on its surface. Corona is essentially the adsorption of biomolecules on the NP surface in circulation^44,45. Corona formation on the NPs can be prevented to a large extent by surface functionalizations. For example, coating NPs with large and hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) can block the interactions with serum protein and resultant opsonization, preventing their rapid clearance by phagocytic cells^46,47. Similarly, NPs with zwitterionic surfaces can provide resistance to protein adsorption⁴⁸. This said, a recent study reported that the NP surface composed of hydrophobic zwitterion functionality still induces an inflammatory phenotype in macrophages relative to the hydrophilic counterparts, underlying the important of surface composition⁴⁹.

Table 1.

Relationship of NP physicochemical properties with immune stimulation

NP Physicochemical property	Immune effects on antigen presenting cells
Positively charged	Rapid phagocytosis and pro-inflammatory
Negatively charged	Moderate to low interactions; moderate inflammation
Hydrophilic	Moderate to poor interactions with innate cells; moderate inflammation
Hydrophobic	Rapid uptake and pro-inflammatory
PEGylation and zwitterion surfaces	Low to moderate inflammation

It may be noted that NPs were originally developed to reduce systemic toxicities of systemically administered chemotherapeutic agents. So, a majority of research utilizing NPs evaluated their immune effects following intravenous injection, or upon incubation with macrophages and dendritic cell in vitro. It is important to understand that the NP effects in TME when used as an ISV may not be similar to the ones that are observed following parenteral therapy. NP-ISVs do not encounter the serum proteins and corona formation that is typically seen with intravenous injection. NP-ISVs also make more intimate, direct and concurrent interactions in TME with tumor and stromal cells, and thus can generate different immune-related cross-talks. Additionally, the pH of TME extracellular environment is slightly acidic⁵⁰. This may influence the NP-ISV physicochemical properties, release of encapsulated agents, and immune effects. Furthermore, the surface properties of NP-ISVs may induce dramatically different immune responses even at similar rates of endocytosis. Wu et al. developed glyco-NPs with different kinds of saccharides coronas (galactoside, mannoside or mixed galactoside-mannoside (GM) copolymer). When incubated with the macrophages in vitro, the NPs with mixed corona (GM) showed stronger macrophage activations (as evidenced by the production of arginase and iNOS) compared to mannose or galactoside NPs alone⁵¹. Finally, immunosuppressive untreated tumors can sometime antagonize the local antitumor immune response generated by ISVs including the NPs⁵². Uncovering these fundamental mechanisms and principles that can control NP-ISV immune effects is key to optimizing the therapeutic outcomes in cancer patients.

3. Classes of NP-ISVs

NP-ISVs delivered by intratumoral injections increases tumor cell recognition via multiple mechanisms (Figure 2). The NPs in TME can capture antigens⁵³, induce polarization of tumor associated macrophages/depletion, dendritic cell activation and maturation, and limit Tregs^54–56. Below we discuss the various classes of NP-ISVs, benefits and drawbacks.

Fig. 2.

Proposed mechanisms and targets of NP-ISVs in the tumor microenvironment. Typically, the antigen presenting cells (APC) can be targeted with NP-ISVs to deliver antigens, or activate pattern recognition and toll-like receptors, and CD40s. Tumor cells can also be induced to generate DAMPs and release tumor antigents with energy depositing devices for NP-ISV antigen capture. The resultant APC activation and production of tumor recognizing T-cells that leave the draining lymph nodes can attack tumor cells anywhere in the patient. The activated T-cells can also synergize with CBTs to improve therapeutic outcomes.

3.1. Chemically synthesized NP-ISVs

NPs are synthesised using organic, inorganic materials, or a mixture of both. Organic NPs are typically composed of molecules with a carbon backbone that could be totally synthetic or similar to those found commonly in biological systems, such as lipids. Examples of organic NPs include liposomes, which are made from phospholipid bilayers and contains an aqueous core, polymeric NPs, similarly made but from a block co-polymer and other materials (e.g. polymersomes), or chitosan based NPs⁵⁷. In contrast, inorganic NPs are made up of noncarbon elements such as silicon, gold, iron etc. NPs can also be modified by doping organic and inorganic material or complexation with immunoadjuvant for enhancing clinical use.

3.1.1. Liposome based NP-ISV

Liposome vaccination against solid tumors via subcutaneous, intradermal, and intramuscular routes has been widely reported^58–61. For example, a continuous release liposomal formulation of interleukin-2 (IL-2) was synthesized by co-mixing hydrophobic lipids with IL-2. This formulation enhanced IL-2 residence time in systemic circulation by 8-fold via subcutaneous route compared to free IL-2⁵⁹. Unlike injections at non-tumor sites (e.g. subcutaneous space), NP-ISVs are directly injected into the tumor. We showed recently the artificial generation of calreticulin (CRT) in murine melanoma tumors using cationic liposome based NP-ISV. CRT is a damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) commonly associated with immunogenic cell death (ICD). We found that the CRT-based liposomes was partiularly immunostimulatory in combination with focused ultrasound (FUS) heating⁶². Briefly, full-length cloned plasmid of calreticulin encapsulated in the cationic liposomes were applied sequentially after FUS heating in murine melanoma tumors. An enhanced expression of calreticulin and populations of melanoma specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells with polarization to M1 phenotype was seen in the treated tumors. Importantly the CRT-NP/FUS treatment prevented tumor growth in the untreated distant sites, suggesting an abscopal effect. Meraz et al. developed an alternative NP-ISV approach by encapsulating monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) and IL-12 in cationic liposomes to reduce systemic toxicity and achieve a more sustained local release of the cytokine⁶³. The team found that following intratumoral injection in the orthotopic model of murine breast cancer, MPL acted as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP), and activated the pattern recognition receptor (PRR) in the dendritic cell via IRAK and MyD88 adaptors. When combined with IL-12, it synergistically enhanced the nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) expressions, resulting in high IL-2 and IFNγ expressions from T-cells, and a T helper (Th)-1 cell mediated local and systemic anti-tumor immunity. In contrast to cationic lipids that are toxic to cells, neutral lipids are relatively safer to use. Francian et al. performed intratumoral NP-ISV vaccination with ovalbumin-loaded neutral liposomes decorated with endogenous C3 serum proteins in a murine model of lymphoma⁶⁴. Data suggested an efficient targeting of the C3 receptors of macrophages and dendritic cells by the C3 proteins of liposomes. Additionally, the internalization and processing of ovalbumin by the APCs and subsequent T-cell activation achieved an efficient remission of ovalubumin expressing murine lymphoma tumors.A drawback of neutral liposome is their propensity to rapidly redistribute in the venous outflow⁶⁵. In contrast, cationic liposome binds strongly with the negative cell membrane when used as an ISV. The tumor retention can also be aided by increasing the size of lipidic carriers. Typically, large lipidic emulsions (>200nm) are efficiently retained in the tumors. Further, Harrington et al. reported that PEGylated liposomes retain the encapsulated content in the tumor (~12-fold) compared to free form upon local injection⁶⁶. PEGylated liposomes can also target the draining lymph nodes following local administration, and thus they can potentially improve the antigen presentations in the lymph nodes.

Other liposome based NP-ISV approaches that have shown promise include the encapsulation of hydrophilic and negatively charged STING agonists (cGAMP) in its aqueous core. STING is an intracellular signaling protein in DCs that senses 2’3’-cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), especially during the interactions of dying tumor cells DNA with cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)⁶⁷. Since the free form of cGAMP is negatively charged, it does not enter the APCs efficiently as an ISV⁶⁸. Liu et al. loaded cGAMP into the phosphatidylserine coated liposome for targeting the APCs through the PS receptor. Calcium phosphate was utilized to co-precipitate the STING in the liposome core, and bypass lysosomes. Delivery of the liposomes in mice bearing melanoma tumors in lungs via aerosolization significantly enhanced the STING signaling in DCs, providing better control of treated and untreated lung metastasis in combination with radiotherapy⁶⁹. Overall, current data suggest that the liposome NP-ISVs are well-positioned to aid immunotherapy in the years to come.

3.1.2. Polymer based NP-ISVs

The investigation of polymeric NP-ISVs continue to be on the rise for cancer immunotherapy. Like cationic lipids, polymeric ISVs incorporating positively charged moieties improve the cellular delivery of therapeutics and gene products in tumors. In particular, polycationic polyethylenimine (PEI) polymers is highly unique in its ability to achieve intrinsic TLR activation activity of the tumor associated DCs. Ruiz et al. reported a PEI-based nanocomplex for non-viral siRNA therapy of murine ovarian cancer⁷⁰. They showed that PEI improved therapeutic outcomes by acting as a TLR5 agonist to reverse the tolerogenic phenotype of tumor associated human and murine DCs. In another study, the intratumoral administration of PEI stimulated the expression of IL-12 and TNFα from Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) and caused the production of tumor suppresive M1 phenotype⁷¹. Another polymer type with immunomodulatory properties is poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). PLGA is biodegradable and FDA approved, and is efficiently phagocytosed by the APCs. Nikitczuk et al. developed PLGA-based NP-ISV encapsulating a tumor antigen and the TLR9 agonist CpG motif DNA. Intratumoral administration of the NP in a mouse model of T-cell lymphoma induced an IFNγ Th1 response, reducing local tumor growth⁷². PLGA-NPs also achieve concurrent chemo- and immune-therapy. Silva et al. co-loaded doxorubicin, TLR3 agonist poly (I:C) and TLR7/8 activator (Resiquimod; R848) in the PLGA-NPs. Intratumoral administration of the NP-ISV in treatment resistant TC-1 lung carcinoma and MC-38 colon adenocarcinoma not only induced chemotherapeutic sensitization, but also enhanced the population of tumor specific T-cells, achieving superior regression and survival rates compared to the drug alone⁷³. PLGA has also been found to capture released tumor antigens. Min et al. modified the PLGA surface with amine-polyethylene glycol (NH₂-PEG) (NH₂ AC-NP) and 1,2-Dioleoyloxy-3-(trimethylammonium)propane (DOTAP AC-NP) to bind the released antigens during radiation therapy in tumors. Data suggested efficient retention of DAMPs such as HMGB1 in NPs in vitro⁷⁴. Also, when the NP-ISV was injected unilateraly in mice bearing bilateral melanoma, it induced an abscopal effect via improved APC presentation and T-cell cytotoxic effects. Further, its combination with checkpoint blockade therapy (CBT) resulted in a 20% complete response rates in the mice subjects. Overall, polymeric NP-ISV platform can be highly efficient in generating an immune-activated TME.

3.1.3. Chitosan based NP-ISVs

Chitosan based nanomaterials are another organic NP that can be highly relevant for anti-tumor immunity. The positively charged protonated amine groups of chitosan can efficiently bind to dendritic cells⁷⁵. Although chitosan in native form is not immunogenic, the development of mannosylated, zwitterionic, and glycated chitosan have enhanced its use as a vaccine adjuvant⁷⁶. So far, majority of anti-tumor immunization with chitosan has been attempted by subcutaneous, intramuscular and intraperitoneal routes^75,77,78. However, some reports of its use as a NP-ISV is starting to emerge. Kim et al. developed mannosylated chitosan (MC) for IL-12 gene delivery into tumor resident DCs⁷⁹. The presentation of IL-12 via DCs subsequently activated T-cells. In their NP-ISV approach, the team leveraged the high expression of mannose receptors on immature DCs to attain localized targeting and ligand mediated endocytosis of IL-12 gene with chitosan. Compared to chitosan alone, the MC/IL-12 gene delivery significantly improved the APC function, and IFNγ production to suppress tumor growth of murine colon cancer. Zaharoff et al. similarly formulated chitosan/IL-12 cytokine, and utilized it as an ISV⁸⁰. Although particle characterization was not performed to verify the nanosized range of the chitosan/IL-12, the intratumoral administration in colorectal and pancreatic murine cancers achieved 80-100% regression of the tumors. Mechanistic characterization of immune cells showed a high CD8+ and NK dependent killing of tumor cells. Importantly, rechallenge in the cured mice protected them from tumor induction, verifying immunomodulatory effects in the TME. Similar outcomes were also obtained in bladder cancer with intravesicle administration of chitosan/IL-12. An enhanced IL-12 penetration with reduced and durable protection from bladder cancer was noted⁸¹. Other applications of chitosan based NP-ISV include its use in photothermal immunotherapy for improved anti-tumor immunity (see 3.3)⁸². Overall, various kind of chitosans can serve as a vaccine adjuvant alone or in combination with therapeutic devices, making them a clinically relevant NP-ISV.

3.1.4. Inorganic NP-ISVs

Inorganic NPs (gold, silica etc.) are known to trap tumor cell antigens and induce APC activations⁸³. In particular, gold NPs can trap immunosuppressive cytokines to increase the infiltration of T-cells in the tumor. For example, TGF‐β1 attenuates the function of dendritic and T-cells. Tsai et al. showed that when gold NPs (100 nM) co-mixed with 6 × 10⁵ MBT‐2 cells were inoculated in the mice, the tumor growth inhibition was attenuated by trapping of TGF‐β1 by S-Au covalent bonding. Additionally, an enhanced CD4+ cells in the tumor and immune mediated tumor control was observed⁸⁴. Like cysteines (SH), gold NPs can also bind uncapped cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) motifs. CpG activates TLR9 in APCs to aid T-cell activation. Upon loading the CpG on citrate coated gold NPs, and their intratumoral injection (10¹³ particles), mice bearing B16-OVA tumors achieved infiltration of dendritic cells, macrophages, and CD8+ cells in the tumor, resulting in regression of the masses. Finally, the application of gold particles is being extended in the realm of photothermal NP-ISV therapy (see 3.3). Nam et al. reported a photothermally stable gold NP-ISV that upon intratumoral injection and light exposures induced a ~4-fold higher frequency of colon cancer specific CD8+ T cells than untreated control in murine model⁸⁵. This NP-ISV platform also enhanced doxorubicin chemotherapy, and induced an abscopal effect in CT26 colon cancer model.

Like gold, silica (Si) NPs with porous surface efficiently trap antigens to achieve anti-tumor immunization⁸⁶. In particular, Si particles with larger pore sizes demonstrate superior antigen cross-presentation, and anti-tumor immunizations by sub-cuteneous route⁸⁷. Since Si-NPs are rapidly phagocytosed by the immune and tumor cells, they induce cytotoxic effects by inflammation, oxidative stress and autophagy⁸⁸. An et al. elegantly leveraged this property to develop cationic silica NPs and conjugated it to a STING stimulator (cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate: c-di-GMP)⁸⁹. Upon administration as a NP-ISV, Si induced necrotic cell death of melanoma cells, tumor regression, and prolonged survival rates. Immunologically, the necrotic cell death achieved local infiltrations of neutrophil and APCs, and importantly, the mice that were cured with the NP-ISV resisted rechallenge with tumor cells in a melanoma specific CD8+ cell manner⁸⁹. Moving forward, characterizating the role of Si surface compositions (nanoporous, mesoporous, amorphous, etc.) on tumor immunotherapy, dosing regimens, and immune activations depending on baseline tumor type can shed more light on its potential therapeutic use.

Finally, mixed formulations of organic/inorganic NPs are also under investigation (Table 2). For example, an immunotherapeutic gel with biocompatible, anti-CD47-loaded CaCO₃ NPs was developed. Upon spraying into the surgical site post-resection surgery, it raised the pH of the acidic TME and repolarized M2-TAMs into M1-like TAMs in B16F10 tumors. The reduction of IL-10 (associated with M2-TAMs), increase of IL-12 (associated with M1 macrophages) and reductions in MDSCs, Tregs and HIF-1α expression achieved potent antitumor effects⁹⁰. Complexed NP-ISVs have also been included in the chemotherapy (e.g. DOX) regimens to leverage the benefits of ICD. In one study, DOX-induced ICD was combined with dendritic mesoporous organosilica NPs containing Cu²⁺ ions and tetrasulfide groups. A five-fold increase in ROS production via glutathione depletion and Fenton’s reaction in tumors with the NPs was achieved. When the NPs were combined with DOX, it achieved a systemic antitumor effect in the 4T1 breast cancer model by increasing the TNFα and cytolytic T-cells. Additionally, this approach synergized with the CBT⁹¹. This particular approach also demonstrated the unique role of functionalized NPs in NP-ISV, allowing administration of Cu²⁺ ions encased in mesoporous silica NPs that would otherwise be systemically toxic when combined with DOX’s ICD effects.

Table 2.

Synthetic NP-ISV platforms, mechanisms, and treatment approaches for anti-tumor immunity Induction

NP Formulation	Unique Immune Activating Aspects	Combination Therapy	Ref
Loaded-Mesoporous Silica NP (80 nm) + Magnetic NP-coated Silica NP (100 nm)	• Dual NP-approach. • Silica NP contained ICG (acts as PTT agent and TLR-7 agonist) + YM155 (survivin inhibitor); • Magnetic-coated silica NPs were combined with aCD-47 • IL-6↑, IL-12↑, TNF-α↑, CD4+ and CD8+ cells in distant tumors↑, mature DC↑	TLR, PTT, TH	155
Maleimide-PEG PLGA NP (167 nm)	• NPs conjugated with aPD-1 and aOX40 for induction of maximum T cell activation in B16F10 and 4T1 models, 5/6 survived rechallenge (i.v. injection)	CBT	15
Antigen-capturing PLGA NP (initial size <200 nm; changed after antigen capture)	• Used different coatings (e.g., DOTAP, NH2-PEG, mPEG, Maleimide) in lethally irradiated ex vivo B16F10 cells to quantify antigen capture. Combined with aPD-1 immunotherapy to induce abscopal effect	CBT, RT	156
PLGA photothermal (PTT) NPs (100 nm)	• Loaded with ICG (PTT agent and TLR-7 agonist), +/− aCTLA-4) • Induced DC maturation, IL-6↑, IL-12↑, TNFα↑ in 4T1 and CT26 models (intratumoral-NP, i.v.-CBT); NP+PTT+CBT increased the CD8+ TIL↑ (~19.7%) from NP+CBT alone (8.96%)	TLR, CBT, PTT, TH	119
PANI-GSC polymer Loaded-160 (~NP nm)	• Loaded with R848 (NIR agent and TLR-7/8 agonist) in CT26 model • CD3+ infiltration↑, Granzyme B↑, Hsp70↑, IL-6↑, IL-10↓, apoptosis↑, MDSCs↓	TLR, PTT, TH	118
CRT-Loaded-DOTAP Liposome (~230 nm)	• CRT-loaded, DOTAP-derived liposomes encapsulated with CRT plasmid in combination with high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in B16F10 model • ICD↑, CRT surface expression↑, 4.5-fold increase in M1/M2 ratio, Granzyme-expressing CD3+CD8+ and CD4+ T cells↑, PD-1 CD8+ T cells↑, increased resistance to rechallenge	HIFU	62
Citrate-coated SPION (58 nm)	• EL4 T lymphocytes from mouse lymphoma were loaded with SPIONs and successfully targeted via AMF while keeping toxicity to T cells minimal • Potential to be used in future with CAR T-cell therapies • In vitro experiment	AMF	157
Dendritic mesoporous organosilica NP (~210 nm)	• Loaded with Cu2+ ions that acted as Fenton’s reagents. DOX and tetrasulfide groups collectively increased the ROS production intratumorally, depleted tumoral GSH and increased serum IFNγ in a 4T1 model • aPD-L1 was combined to synergistically increase efficacy and drastically increase serum TNF-α and CTL in distant tumor tissue	Other, CBT	91
PLGA-PEG-GRGDS peptide shell loaded-NP (~218 nm)	• Loaded with aPD-1, iron oxide NPs and perfluoropentane (PFP) in B16F10 model • Serum IL-6↑ (72h post trt), serum IFN-γ↑ (72,168h post trt), TNF-α↑ (72,168h post trt), TIL↑	CBT, TH	154
Polyacrylamide hybrid nanogel (~30 nm)	• Incorporated with gold NPs (3–7 nm) and methotrexate or folic acid • Achieved enhanced killing of KB tumor cells in a concentration-dependent manner while avoiding toxicity or retention in macrophages • Coating gold NPs in either folic acid or methotrexate was found to preserve macrophages	Other	158
Loaded-CaCO3 NP (~100 nm) as in-Situ Hydrogel	• Loaded with aCD-47 as a “Bioresponsive immunotherapeutic spray” for post-resection • Showed macrophage polarization, decreased TME acidity and increased antigen presentation in B16 models	Other	90
Iron-oxide NP (110 nm) + CPMV VNP+ RT	• Combined AMF-Iron-oxide NPs with CMPV VNPs and radiation in canine oral melanoma • Observed increased adjuvanticity, immune cell infiltration and multiple patients fully resolved treated tumor	TH, AMF, RT	134
Magnetite Cationic Liposome (10 nm)	• Magnetic NP + AMF were studied in MM46 mouse mammary carcinoma tumor model • Single round of hyperthermia (three times in 24h intervals) was effective against 7 mm tumors but not 15 mm tumors, cured mice displayed acquired antitumor immune memory	TH, AMF	159
Polydopamine-coated Al2O3 NPs (~280–340 nm) + CpG	• 50 % of mice achieved tumor eradication and survived for 120 days (endpoint of experiment); Median survival was 3.9- and 6.3- fold longer in combination NP+CpG group than controls • Al2O3 showed marked increase in heating-reaching 55 C within 5 min • Combination treatment caused increases in serum levels of mice TNF-α and IFN-γ at 24, 48, 72 h and 1 week post treatment in vivo	PTT, TH (ablation), TLR	160
Chitosan-coated Hollow Copper Sulfide NPs (~85 nm HCuSNPs after PTT break into ~10 nm CuS NPs) + CpG	• This “photothermal immunotherapy” approach- increased mature myeloid dendritic cells in tumor by 41-, 5.8- and 14.2-fold compared to control, NP+CpG alone and NP+GpC(CpG control)+laser • Treatment increased IFN-γ-secreting CD8+ T cells in secondary tumors by 19-fold when compared to control and decreased distant tumor growth	PTT, TH (ablation), TLR	82
CpG-coated Prussian Blue NPs (Cubic particles ~50 nm, hydrodynamic size ~92 nm)	• CpG-NP construst was shown to stay intact between pH 4.6–7.0 for up to 4 days even after PTT, so the adjuvanticity of intratumoral CpG is maintained • Caused significantly decreased intracellular ATP, and markedly increased levels of calreticulin and decreased levels of intracellular HMGB1 in vitro- indicating ICD • Observed enhanced long-term survival and immune protection against re-challenge in Neuro2a model of neuroblastoma in mice	PTT, TH (ablation), TLR	161
Magnetite cationic liposomes (magnetite-10 nm, total size-unlisted) + recombinant heat shock protein 70	• Formulation observed efficient specific heating via AMF, and some systemic antitumor immunity seen via splenic lymphocytes from cured mice showed greater anticancer effects in B16 cells • Survival was significantly extended and 20% of mice displayed complete tumor regression within 14 days	TH, AMF, Other	162
APTES-modified-Fe3O4NP/CpG particles (FeNP-10 nm, total construct-50 nm) (APTES- 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane)	• Tested in C26 colon cancer and 4T1 breast cancer models in vivo • In C26 cells, FeNP/CpG groups showed 8.2-fold more tumor-killing activity than control and 9.7-fold and 1.7-fold more than FeNP and CpG groups; 4T1 cells, FeNP/CpG 7.4-fold higher than control and 6.6-fold and 1.4-fold more than FeNP and CpG via 51 Cr release assay ex vivo • Formulation is primarily viewed as potential vehicle for non-viral gene delivery and enhanced transfection efficiency- since enhanced CpG into DCs is shown	Other	163
Bionized nanoferrite(BNF)-starch coated Iron oxide (Fe2O3) NPs (100 nm)	• Increase by over 10-fold of CXCL2, CCL3, CXCL5 between heated and non-heated groups • Observed that local hyperthermia of 43 C for 30 min activated DCs in draining lymph nodes and increases CD8+ T cells, and efficacy is CD8+-dependent • Interestingly, observed better primary tumors when treated, led to greater immunity and resistance to rechallenge; also, saw no immunity developed in 45 C treatment despite more primary tumor cells being destroyed	AMF, TH	164
Perfluorotributylamine (PFTBA) NPs (~150–200 nm)	• Observed >10-fold change in clot weight from PFTBA as platelet inhibitor in vitro and decreased platelet adhesion, aggregation and granule secretion, measure by ATP, 5-HT and angiopoietin-1 • Increased tumor infiltration of RBCs and tagged-lymphocytes supports that PFTBA enhanced tumor vessel permeability via platelet inhibition in CT26 tumors • Enhanced lymphocyte tumor infiltration by PFTBA NPs was combined with CBT (anti-PD-L1) to observe drastic decreases in tumor weight/volume and significant increases in IFN- γ, IL-6, TNF-α along with ~3.5-fold, ~6.5-fold and ~6.5-fold increases in tumor infiltrating-CD45+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, respectively.	CBT, Other	165

^*TLR- Toll-like receptor, CBT, PTT- Photothermal therapy, TH- Targeted hyperthermia, AMF- Alternating magnetic field, HIFU- High Intensity Focused Ultrasound, RT- Radiotherapy, chemotherapy TH*- Targeted Hyperthermia from heat-shocked cells, but not included in treatment regimen, ICG- indocyanine green, PFP- perfluoropentane

To summarize, organic and inorganic NPs immune effects stem from their ability to target multiple aspects of the TME. These include upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, maturation of APCs, direct tumor cell lysis, and antigen release and capture. Aspects of NP-ISVs that needs optimization include uniform activation of immune related signaling pathways in heterogeneous TME. Additionally, ensuring that NP-ISVs do not impact systemic modalities of treatment (e.g. chemotherapy, CBT) appears essential for successful outcomes.

3.2. Biological NP-ISV approaches

NPs that are derived from viral or bacterial components can also switftly activate the immune system. Examples of important NP-ISV players derived from biological products are described below.

3.2.1. Viral NPs (VNPs)

VNPs are derived from plants, and can self-assemble into various shapes and sizes⁹². VNPs do not replicate in mammals, and thus can be administered in high doses with minimal toxicity. In particular, cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) and its RNA free counterpart (empty CPMVs or eCPMV) are highly immunogenic, readily available, scaleable, and chemically modifiable^93,94. eCPMV and CPMV-NPs achieve high immunogenicity by inducing fast recruitment of APCs in tumor compared to other plant VNPs (e.g. tobacco mosaic VNPs or TMVs)⁹⁵ and immunogens (e.g. LPS, poly(I:C), and the STING agonist DMXAA). In general, the presence of RNAs in CPMV attain relatively superior antigen presentation compared to eCPMVs⁹⁴. Regardless, eCPMV have shown to upregulate IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12p40, MIP1-α and TNF-α from bone marrow derived DCs, and macrophages. ISV with eCPMV also causes potent tumor regression in a variety of murine models including metastatic breast, colon and ovarian carcinoma models (4T1-luc breast cancer, CT-26 and ID8-Defb29/Vegf-A ovarian)⁹⁶.

eCPMV and CPMVs exerts their effect by enhancing the proliferation of neutrophils, especially the anti-tumoral N1 neutrophil phenotype tumors. Recently, the CPMV was also shown to work by targeting TLRs in gliomas⁹⁷. This property of the CPMV increased the tumor infiltrating neutrophil and natural killer cell populations, and immunotherapy outcomes following ISV in murine glioma. The key to maximal CPMV-ISV effect is its phagocytosis by the APCs. Thus, CPMVs are typically administered in multiple injections to tumors for enhanced effects. To reduce the frequency of treatment, Wang et al. combined CD47 blockade and CPMV-ISV therapy in murine breast and ovarian cancer⁹⁸. Since CD47 inhibits antiphagocytic signals, the team hypothesized that the infiltration of APCs in tumor by the CPMV, and the CD47 activation of pro-phagocytic signals would aid rapid tumor clearance to reduce dosage/frequency. Survival and tumor regression data suggested that CD47 indeed potentiated the CPMV immunotherapeutic effects relative to CPMV alone. In another study, Czapar et al. modified CPMVs with charged dendrimers to form slow releasing nanoplex depots⁹⁹. CPMVs are negatively charged, and can electrostatically interact with positively‐charged polymers such as polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers at low salt concentrations. At physiological salt concentrations in-situ, they can slowly disassemble to release the CPMVs. Investigation of this approach in an orthotopic murine ovarianc cancer model revealed that a single injection of the PAMAM-CPMV was as effective as an ISV compared to weekly treatment with the soluble CPMV. These studies suggest that particle functionalizations may be needed for CPMV enhanced immune effects in tumors.

An aspect of CPMV-ISV that has impeded its clinical translation is the concern regarding the presence of anti-CPMV antibodies in the human population. Humans are exposed to plant viruses through the food chain, and may have CPMV antibodies. Thus, it is plausible that the ISV administration of CPMV can cause anaphylactic reactions or diminished therapeutic effects in cancer patients. Shukla et al. investigated the role of pre-existing antibodies on eCPMV ISV efficacy against ovarian cancer¹⁰⁰. They found that the CPMVs were effective in both naïve and CPMV-pre-exposed mice. In fact, the presence of CPMV neutralizing antibody enhanced the CPMV therapeutic effect. They explained this phenomenon to a superior opsonization and phagocytosis of CPMVs by the APCs in the TME. Since wild type CPMVs contain RNAs and activate TLR7/8 to generate a stronger humoral antibody response, the research team also investigated whether this can influence eCPMV therapy. eCPMV-ISV was administered in CPMV naïve or exposed murine ovarian cancer model. Data suggested that the CPMV pre-exposure also enhanced the efficacy of eCPMVs in a similar manner. Overall, CPMVs are an attractive candidate for NP-ISV. The next steps are to assess their safety and translational potentials in human clinical trials.

Other plant VNPs investigated as an ISV include potato and papaya mosaic virus. Especially, Potato-virus X (PVX) NPs have displayed antitumor and immune efficacy against B16F10 tumors as an ISV¹⁰¹. The effect of PVX VNPs can also be amplified with chemotherapies like DOX to increase the IL-1β, MIP-1α, MIG, MCP-1, M-CSF and RANTES in the B16F10 tumors. Similarly, Papaya Mosaic virus based VNPs increased the IFN-α-dependent pathway, and synergy with anti-PD-1 antibody CBT in melanoma¹⁰². The inclusion of modified multifunctional VNPs is an active goal of current ISV regimens. However, as Lee et al. showed, combining many aspects into a singular VNP seems to not always be more efficacious than co-administered therapies in their model of PVX and DOX¹⁰¹. The tumor biology and the immune system has to guide the strategies of applying multifunctional VNPs of any sort. Overall, VNPs are versatile systems for bioconjugation, loading, and genetic approaches, increasing their possibility of use as an ISV¹⁰³.

3.2.2. Bacteria derived NP-ISV

Minicells are nanosized, spherical proteolipid vesicles secreted by bacteria^104–106. So far, the use of nanosized achromosomal, non-replicating minicells, produced during genetically controlled abnormal bacterial division has been mostly for drug-loading and labeling cancer targeted antibodies rather than ISV^107–112. Many bacterial constituents are PAMPs, so minicells can be hypothetically an inherent immunostimulatory platforms for NP-ISV. Minicells can be genetically engineered to exploit effective type III secretion systems, which include “complex delivery of bacterial virulence effector proteins into the host cell cytosol”. This can increase cytotoxic T cell response; features not typically seen in other bacterial cancer vaccine platforms¹¹³. Hancock et al. developed recombinant bacterial minicells from Escherichia coli (VAX014). VAX014 was engineered to deliver perfringolysin O (PFO) to α3β1 or α5β1 integrin expressing human and murine urothelial carcinoma cells. Intravesicle instillation of VAX0014 via transurethral catheterization into the bladders cancers improved the survival response¹¹⁴. In addition, successful loading of chemotherapies into minicells including paclitaxel, doxorubicin, carboplatin, cisplatin, vinblastine have been reported, and these can be leveraged for immunogenic cell death induction in ISV setting¹¹⁵ and use as NP-ISV¹¹⁶.

3.3. Combination of energy depositing/hyperthermia devices with NP as ISVs

Therapeutic energy-depositing devices such as photothermal/photodynamic therapy (PTT), alternating magnetic field (AMF), focused ultrasound (FUS), radiowave therapy or widely used ionizing radiation therapy can serve as an external modes of inducing immunogenic cell death, making them a potential part of in situ vaccination with NPs^117–121. The NPs-ISVs can also mediate the effects of external energy deposition into the solid tumor to increase the overall ISV immune response.

3.3.1. Photothermal (PTT) NP-ISV

PTT typically uses near infrared laser energy to excite NP-ISVs¹²². The activation/absorption of light energy by NP-ISVs (e.g. gold NPs, carbon nanotubes, Indocyanine green, Prussian blue etc.) causes physical, hyperthermic, and ablative effects in tumors and a variety of downstream immune effects^123–126. A detailed discussion of all PTT-based ISV approaches are beyond the scope of this review. Here, we primarily focused on the immune activation mechanisms, and describe selected studies that shows the feasibility of PTT with NP-ISVs for local and abscopal effects.

Bear et al. investigated the mechanisms of elimination of metastatic melanoma with PTT induced using PEGylated gold NP-ISV¹²⁷. The team assessed immune activations in poorly immunogenic B16F10 and highly immunogenic B16-OVA flank tumors. Following intratumoral administration of the gold NPs (40-42nm), a near-infrared laser (λ = 808 nm, 3 W/cm², spot diameter = 8 mm) was applied in the tumor for 3 min. PTT enhanced local and systemic anti-tumor immune effect against the B16-OVA model by increasing the populations of tumor specific CD4+ and CD8⁺ effector T cell. Importantly, the increase in the infiltration rates of CD4+ and CD8+ in the distant untreated tumor was not associated with changes in the immunosuppresive Tregs, and this establishing the basis of abscopal effect. While the Tregs were unaffected, the untreated tumors showed an increase in the population of MDSCs, and this eventually resulted in the T-cell dysfunction and tumor re-growth. Interestingly, in contrast to the immunogenic B16-OVA tumors, the DC maturations in the poorly immunogenic B16F10 did not achieve abscopal effect. These indicate that PTT-NPs require high tumor cell antigenicity for successful ISV outcomes. In another study, Nam et al. coated gold NPs with polydopamine to improve the PTT efficiency of gold NPs, and correlated those to anti-tumor immune effects⁸⁵. Intratumoral administration of the gold-NPs, and exposure to PTT with sub-therapeutic dosages of doxorubicin elicited prominent local and systemic elimination of CT26 colon and lung masses. This was ascribed to the upregulation of MHC-II and CD40 on DCs in tumor-draining lymph nodes, proliferation of tumor specific CD8+, CD107a expressing NKs, and hyperthermia induced increase in HSP70⁸⁵. Similarly, Mejia et al. described an elegant approach to transform the TME of neuroblastoma tumors with Prussian blue based NP(PB-NP)¹²⁸. PB-NPs are inexpensive, easy to synthesize and scale, and are FDA approved. The team developed a tumor pH (5-7) stable PB-NP for intratumoral therapy, and activated it with 808 NIR laser. The combined therapy rapidly decreased the neuroblastoma burden and prevented recurrence in the murine model by a local increase of cytotoxic T-cells compared to PB-NP alone. Also, while T-cell specificity was impressive, the best results were attained in combination with anti-CTLA-4s, suggesting a need for such agents in the PTT regimen.

Additional mechanisms to drive PTT NP-ISVs includes the targeting of specific cellular pathways in the tumor. Chen et al. proposed that intratumoral therapies that are ablative kills the resident immune cells to reduce its efficacy¹²⁹. The team hypothesized that hyperthermia (40-45ºC) that causes HSP70 release from tumor cells can enhance the infiltrations of APCs, which can then be activated with resiquimod, a TLR7/8 agonist to achieve IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha secretions in TME for anti-tumor immunity. A novel NP-ISV composed of photothermally responsive polyaniline (PANI) based amphiphilic polymers was generated. Hydrophobic resiquimod was loaded in the hydrophobic polyaniline (PANI) core, and the aqueous stability was imparted by covalently linking the polymers with hydrophilic glycol-chitosan (GCS) backbone. Mild heating (40-45ºC) of mice CT colon tumors injected with the NP was performed with NIR lasers (0.9 W/cm² for 10 min). A significant enhancement in the tumor regressions and survival for the PTT + NPs compared to the monotherapies, and a resistance to rechallenge mediated by the IFNγ expressing CD8+ was noted. Immunologically, the treated tumors showed enhanced IL-6 and decreased levels of anti-inflammatory IL-10 cytokine and a significant drop of MDSC populations; all of which reversed the suppressive TME. Additional PTT approaches utilizing ICG, CpG, and iron NPs are described in Table 2. Overall, NP-ISV with PTT enhances proinflammatory and antitumor effects in murine models. The current and future challenges are in coordinating dosing and timing to optimize efficacy in various tumor types.

3.3.2. Magnetic NP-ISV

ISV using magnetic NPs (MNPs, typically <100nm) relies on uniform tumor heating (>40ºC) with alternating magnetic field (AMF). Duval et al. utilized the RNA quantification technique to understand the immunogenic effects of low dose (CEM43 30) MNP hyperthermia on melanoma cells in vitro. The team showed that HSP70 and a number of TLR pathway genes are upregulated with MNPs plus AMF¹³⁰. This was also verified in T-9 rat glioma¹³¹ and B16 melanoma mouse models¹³². A detailed review of how MNPs and AMF synergize to improve immune effect has been elegantly described by Kobayashi¹³³. To summarize, depending on the exposure conditions, the MNP-AMF achieves immunogenic cell death, expression of HSP70 that stimulates APC activation and MHC-I presentation, and marked augmentation of tumor selective cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. An interesting aspect of MNP-based AMF hyperthermia has been its ability to synergize with radiation therapy. Hoopes et al. showed that canine oral melanomas pre-heated with MNPs and AMF (43°C for 60 minutes), and then treated with combined radiation and CPMV demonstrated significant tumor regression¹³⁴. Histologically, an upregulation of the inflammatory markers, and conversion of the “cold” tumor into a “hot” tumor” was observed with this approach. Likewise, Oei et al. showed that MNPs hyperthermia (43 °C for 20 min) or partial ablation (5 °C for 5 min plus 43 °C for 15 min) performed 7 days post inoculation of triple negative breast cancers improved the efficacy of radiation (8Gy; 3x) and dual-CBTs (administered on Days 7, 9, 11 and 13 after tumor implantation). An enhanced populations of T-cells following the combinatorial therapies presumably due to greate tumor damage/necrosis relative to monotherapy in tumors were noted. Although promising, the abscopal effects using this approach was modest¹³⁵. These studies (Table 2) suggest that optimizing the MNP hyperthermia duration, frequency, and precise control of thermal energy deposition is needed prior to its application as an ISV. Additionally, further modifying the MNPs to leverage superior effects may be needed. For example, Manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4) utilizes the iron-oxide core to downregulate M2-associated cytokines (e.g., interleukin 10 (IL-10). It can be combined with AMF and PTT hyperthermia for superior anti-tumor immune effects^135,136. Recently, Zhou et al. reported OVA protein modified PEGylated MnFe2O4 NPs loaded with R837 DC stimulant (R837-OVA-PEG-MnFe2O4 NPs)¹³⁷. ISV with the functionalized MNP in 4T1 tumor model allowed MRI tracking of the NPs in the orthotopic tumor, and its combination with PTT decreased M2 cytokines and superior immune effects, enhancing the protection against lung metastasis.

3.3.3. Focused Ultrasound (FUS) based NP-ISV

Focused ultrasound (FUS) is a non-invasive sound energy based modality for generation of mechanical and thermal effects in a tumor. We have shown that FUS improves the immune and chemotherapeutic outcomes of intravenously administered therapies^136–138. For instance, we attached doxorubicin-loaded thermally sensitive liposomes onto Salmonella typhimurim bacteria to modulate the population of anti-tumoral M1 and pro-tumoral M2 macrophages in the tumor¹³⁷. We found that the NP-laden bacteria demonstrated high chemotaxis and colonization in the murine colon cancer tumors. Combination with application of local mild hyperthermia (40–42 °C; 30 min) with FUS caused a pro-inflammatory immune environment, and polarization to M1 phenotype, regressing the tumor. A key benefit of FUS over PTT or AMF modality is its ability to generate hyperthermia without NPs. FUS parameters are also tunable for various types of immune priming. For instance, low intensity FUS (LOFU; peak negative pressures from ~2-5 MPa) modulates the expression and cellular distribution of HSPs family protein (e.g. HSP 60,70, and 90). This was shown to enhance radiotherapy outcomes of breast and prostate murine cancers¹³⁹. In contrast, ablative FUS rapidly debulks tumor to release tumor antigens. Silvestrini et al. showed that the efficacy of TLR9 agonist and CBT was significantly improved by FUS ablation¹⁴⁰. FUS can also induce mechanical effects to enhance tumor cell stress and antigen release. Eranki et al. performed rapid and partial emulsification of neuroblastoma tumors using boiling histotripy (BH)¹⁴¹. In this approach, millisecond-long pulses, with lower pulse resonance frequency and duty cycle FUS were employed to achieve millisecond heating (~100ºC) that is typically non-denaturing. They showed that BH significantly increased the infiltration of T cells, PD-L1 and IL-2 expression in the tumor, systemic cytokines and and NK cells in spleen and lymph node within 24h of treatment. Although BH alone was not effective in inducing abscopal effect, its combination with CBT improved the abscopal effects.

Knowing that FUS is most effective in a combinatorial setting, we and others have started incorporating immunoadjuvants including NP-ISVs to investigate their immunotherapy potentials. Recently, we developed a DAMP inducing liposome NP-ISV⁶² that upregulated calreticulin in the tumors. When we combined CRT-NPs with FUS hyperthermia, T-cell mediated abscopal effect in poorly immunogenic B16F10 melanoma model was achieved. Suzuki et al. enhance IL-12 gene therapy in murine ovarian cancer with FUS cavitation to improve therapeutic outcome¹⁴². In this study, IL-12 was expressed in the tumor cells using liposome NPs loaded with sonosensitive bubble agents. Upon administration of the NP-ISV and application of the ultrasound (1 MHz, 0.7 W/cm2, 60 s), complete regression occurred in 80% of the tumor-bearing mice by the cytotoxic actions of IL-12 activated CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells. We and others have also utilized non-nanoparticule immunoadjuvants¹⁴³. For example, we combined intratumoral CD40 agonist antibodies with FUS mild hyperthermia in the B16F10 model¹⁴⁴. We observed that this approach preserved the T-cell function to cause abscopal effect. FUS combined NP-ISV is still in early stages, but tailoring NP properties and their bio-effect will aid its clinical translation efforts.

3.4. NP-ISV + CBT therapy

Monotherapy and combinatorial therapy with anti CTLA-4, PD-L1, PD-1 monoclonal antibody has gained FDA approved for a variety of indications including metastatic melanoma. CBTs work by inhibiting the T-cell immunosuppressive costimulations (e.g. CTLA-4 interacts with B7 ligands B7-1 (CD80) and B7-2 (CD86) on APCs to attenuate T-cell functions- anti-CTLA-4 inhibits that process)¹⁴⁵. Although CBTs are effective in a minority of advanced stage melanoma, squamous cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and classical Hodgkin lymphoma patients, a large proportion with malignant disease do not respond to such therapies and can even demonstrate adverse effects. These indicate a need for the development of novel approaches to improve the populations of cell specific T-cells at reduced treatment dosages¹⁴⁶.

Resistance to CBTs can occur by multiple mechanisms in a tumor. The T-cells can undergo anergy via interactions of its PD-1 and CTLA-4 with PD-L1 on tumor cells, or CD80/86 on APCs¹⁴⁷. CTLA-4 on Tregulatory cells can also interact with the B7s on APCs to inhibit its function in a tumor. Tumor cells can also reduce their antigen presentation by inducing mutation and loss of β−2-microglobulin (B2M), which processes tumor antigens, deleting MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence A and B (MICA/B) that reduces detection by the NK cells, reducing the expression of Fas, TRAILs, Caspase 8 that activates the apoptotic pathways, secreting immunosuppressive metabolites (2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) that reduces T-cell proliferations, and altering the oncogenic signals that affect T-cell responses¹⁴⁸. NP-ISVs have direct access to tumor and immune cell population, and thus can target such immunosuppressive signals in CBT refractory tumors. NP-ISVs can also increase the tumor cell antigenicity by increasing DAMP mediated APC activity to improve the T-cell infiltration. This can be particularly relevant to increase T-cell activity for tumors with low to moderate inflammations (e.g. pancreatic, prostate, and glioblastoma)^149,150.

Several recent studies report the enhancement of CBT efficacy with NP-ISVs. Wang et al. intratumorally injected PEG grafted single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT; dose = 0.33 mg/kg) and combined those with an 808‐nm NIR laser at 0.5 W/cm² for 10 min to ablate 4T1 murine breast tumors. Immunologically, the treatment induced local control, DC maturation in the lymph node, and secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐12p70, IL‐6 and TNF‐α. To evaluate abscopal effect, the mice were rechallenged with 4T1 cells to mimic metastatic condition. Data suggested a significant increase in the populations of Tregs in the untreated tumor and tumor growth. To overcome this barrier, the researcher administered anti‐CTLA‐4 mAb to target CTLA‐4 on the T cells (Tregs). This resulted in a 3-fold increase in the CD8+ T cells in the secondary tumors, thereby enhancing the immunological response. For effective outcomes, anti-PD-1 therapy is typically administered for >1 year, and this may cause severe adverse effect. Luo et al. reported an alternative approach of PTT activatable poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) NPs encapsulating hollow gold nanoshells (photothermal agent) and AUNP12 (anti-PD-1 peptide) for sustained anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, especially in combination with TLR9 activation of CpG¹⁵¹. Intratumoral administration of NPs+CpG and NIR laser exposure (1.5 W/cm², 3 min) in a 4T1 breast cancer model significantly enhanced the activated DCs and CD8+ T cell populations in the tumor. Systemically, the combined NP + CpG treatment caused inhibition of distant tumor growth, which was attributed to the peridural anti-PD1 release in the primary tumor that caused humoral immunity in mice. Tselikas et al. similary investigated the role of direct intratumoral injections of anti-CTL4 loaded NPs on anti-metastatic therapy¹⁵². The team posited that direct injections of mAbs to tumors may require repeated injections to achieve sustained effect, cause in-homogeneous distribution with maximal localization in the low-pressure necrotic areas, and leak from the TME to outside. To overcome this, PLGA-NPs and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies were suspended in an ethiodized oil to achieve slow and sustained controlled immunomodulation in the tumors. Although the response rates for the anti-CTLA-4 alone and the NP-ISV groups were found similar in the highly immunogenic CT26 model, this approach may still be of value in advanced stage poorly inflamed tumor. Several similar formulations based on CBT-NP-ISV approaches have been reported^{91,119,153,154}. Overall, it is clear that CBT with immune-stimulating NP-ISV creates a stronger antitumor responses and a more immunogenic TME compared to CBT or NP-ISV monotherapy.

4. Conclusions

Synthetic and biological NP-ISVs are versatile and amenable to carrying reagents. The interaction of NPs with phagocytes and cancer cells in a solid tumor generates a broad spectrum of bioeffects as part of ISV. NP-ISVs directly kill cancer cells, stimulate local antitumor immunity, generate systemic antitumor immunity, enhance immunological memory, and aid CBT outcomes. The mechanisms are via stimulation of innate immune cells and associated induction of T-effector cell responses against tumor-associated antigens or neoantigens. NP-ISVs can incorporate multiple immunotherapy reagents, proteins, cytokines, adjuvants, antigens and can be combined with energy applicators to increase immunogenic cell death and attain synergistic responses. As the NP-ISV immunomodulatory approaches gain pace, eliciting immunological memory against distant, metastatic, or deep-seated tumors will continue to be the goal against which each new iteration will be compared.

5. Future Perspectives

It is clear that tumor immunosuppression is an outcome of cross-talks between the immune, stromal, and cancer cells. While targeting a certain cell type in the tumors locally with NPs has merits, future investigation should consider developing multifunctional formulations that concurrently activates multiple cell types in a tumor. In this regards, an aspect of NP-ISV that is gaining pace is the loading of multiple immunomodulatory agents in the same platform. While interesting, ensuring that the effects of encapsulated agents are synergistic via multiple pathways with such platforms are crucial.

An aspect of cancer immunotherapy where NP-ISVs can play an important role is their incorporation in CBT regimens. CBTs are currently effective in minority of patients, so reversing immunoresistance through targeting of TME (e.g. reducing Treg populations, preventing deletion of genes responsible for MHC-I expressions, enhancing overall tumor inflammation, etc.) should improve the therapeutic responses. New research in murine models with multi-focal and immunoresistant tumors, and the inclusion of genetically engineered models can shed more light on their potentials for eventual clinical use. Finally, the intratumoral distribution of NPs as an ISV is not similar to parentrally injected NPs. Little research is focused on optimizing the distributions rates, or tracking their locations in real-time. Use of image guided NP-ISVs can be highly insightful in such cases.

It is also critical to increase the repertoire of NP-ISV library so that the best candidate can be selected for specific applications. In this regard, inclusion of newer ISVs incorporating biologically-derived NPs such as oncolytic virus based NPs, outer membrane vesicles from bacteria, or exosome- from mammalian cells appears important. With strong immunomodulatory effects and the combined progress in NP formulations, mechanistic understanding of immunotherapy and appreciation of the simple but powerful potential of in situ vaccination, NP-ISV approaches will be significant contributors to future immunomodulatory approaches and incorporated widely into standard of care for solid tumors.