Scheme 1.

Design of the multifunctional NPs and their possible interaction with tumor and host immune system. a, Schematic illustration of preparation of the EBP-modified and DOX/Poly IC loaded nanocarrier. b, Designed mechanisms of targeted and combined chemo-immuno therapy for TNBC:Tumor vasculature-targeted delivery of DOX (DNA topoisomerase II inhibition) and Poly IC (activation of TLR3 on tumor cell surface) for direct cancer cell killing; activation of host immune system by NPs through dendritic cell (DC) maturation and secretion of cytokines (e.g. IL-12, etc.), and subsequent activation of anti-cancer adaptive (activation of cytotoxic T cells) and innate (activation of NK cells) immune responses. Combined chemotherapeutic and immunological responses gain maximum possible cancer cell killing.