Enhancing Gasdermin-induced tumor pyroptosis through preventing ESCRT-dependent cell membrane repair augments antitumor immune response

Abstract

Pore-forming Gasdermin protein-induced pyroptosis in tumor cells promotes anti-tumor immune response through the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and immunogenic substances after cell rupture. However, endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) III-mediated cell membrane repair significantly diminishes the tumor cell pyroptosis by repairing and subsequently removing gasdermin pores. Here, we show that blocking calcium influx-triggered ESCRT III-dependent membrane repair through a biodegradable nanoparticle-mediated sustained release of calcium chelator (EI-NP) strongly enhances the intracellularly delivered GSDMD-induced tumor pyroptosis via a bacteria-based delivery system (VNP-GD). An injectable hydrogel and a lyophilized hydrogel-based cell patch are developed for peritumoral administration for treating primary and metastatic tumors, and implantation for treating inoperable tumors respectively. The hydrogels, functioning as the local therapeutic reservoirs, can sustainedly release VNP-GD to effectively trigger tumor pyroptosis and EI-NP to prevent the ESCRT III-induced plasma membrane repair to boost the pyroptosis effects, working synergistically to augment the anti-tumor immune response.

Abstract

Activation of ESCRT-mediated cell membrane repair can reduce the extent of tumor cell pyroptosis. Here the authors develop two formulations (an injectable hydrogel and a cell patch) for the sustained release of a Gasdermin-D bacteria-based delivery system and of biodegradable nanoparticles loaded with an ESCRT inhibitor, triggering pyroptosis and antitumor immune responses in preclinical cancer models.