Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is associated with a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), driven in part by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that promote immune evasion through the secretion of CXCL12. CXCL12 interacts with the CXCR4 receptor on immune cells, disrupting CD8+ T cell migration and anti-tumor function. To address this, we developed an innovative siRNA-based therapeutic approach targeting CXCL12 in CAFs. Using lipid nanocarriers (LNCs) as delivery vehicles, we engineered LNCs@si-CXCL12 nanoparticles to specifically silence CXCL12 expression in CAFs. In vitro studies demonstrated that LNCs@si-CXCL12 restored CD8+ T cell migration and inhibited ESCC cell proliferation and migration. In vivo experiments in a spontaneous ESCC mouse model showed that CXCL12 silencing through nanoparticle delivery significantly reduced tumor growth, enhanced CD8+ T cell-mediated tumoricidal activity, and improved overall survival. These findings highlight the potential of siRNA-loaded nanoparticles targeting CXCL12 as a novel therapeutic strategy to reprogram the immunosuppressive TME and enhance immune responses in ESCC. This approach provides a promising avenue for improving treatment outcomes and overcoming immune evasion in ESCC.
Keywords: CXCL12; Cancer-associated fibroblasts; Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma; SiRNA nanoparticles; Tumor microenvironment.
© 2025. The Author(s).