Suppressing Pancreatic Cancer Survival and Immune Escape via Nanoparticle-Modulated STING/STAT3 Axis Regulation

Bioconjug Chem. 2024 Nov 20;35(11):1815-1822. doi: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00379. Epub 2024 Oct 17.

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) poses a challenge in oncology due to its high lethality and resistance to immunotherapy. Recently, emerging research on the stimulator of interferon gene (STING) pathway offers novel opportunities for immunotherapy. Although STING expression is retained in PDAC cells, the response of PDAC cells to STING agonists remains ineffective. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a downstream pathway of STING, is notably overexpressed in pancreatic cancer and related to tumor survival and immune escape. We observed that inhibiting STAT3 signaling post-STING activation effectively suppressed tumor growth through signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1)-mediated apoptosis but led to a potential risk of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). To address this issue, we designed a tumor-penetrating liposome for the codelivery of STING agonist and STAT3 inhibitor. These nanoparticles regulated the STING/STAT3 signaling axis and effectively inhibited the proliferation and survival of tumor. Simultaneously, we found a significant increase in the activation of NK cells and CD8+ T cells after treatment, leading to robust innate immunity and adaptive immune response. We highlight the potential of regulating the STING/STAT3 axis as a promising treatment for improving clinical outcomes in PDAC patients.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / immunology
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Liposomes / chemistry
  • Membrane Proteins* / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Nanoparticles* / chemistry
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / immunology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / pathology
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor* / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Tumor Escape / drug effects

Substances

  • STAT3 Transcription Factor
  • Membrane Proteins
  • STING1 protein, human
  • STAT3 protein, human
  • Liposomes