Biomaterial-Mediated Genetic Reprogramming of Merkel Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma Leads to Targeted Cancer Cell Killing and

Tumor immunotherapy is a promising anticancer strategy; however, tumor cells may employ resistance mechanisms, including downregulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules to avoid immune recognition. Here, we investigate reprogramming nanoparticles (NPs) that deliver immunostimulatory genes to enhance immunotherapy and address defective antigen presentation in skin cancer and . We use a modular poly(beta-amino ester) (PBAE)-based NP to deliver DNA encoding 4-1BBL, IL-12, and IFNγ to reprogram human Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) cells and mouse melanoma tumors to drive adaptive antitumor immune responses. Optimized NP formulations delivering 4-1BBL/IL-12 or 4-1BBL/IL-12/IFNγ DNA successfully transfect MCC and melanoma cells and , respectively, resulting in IFNγ-driven upregulation of MHC class I and II molecules on cancer cells. These NPs reprogram the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and elicit strong T-cell-driven immune responses, leading to cancer cell killing and T-cell proliferation and slowing tumor growth and improving survival rates . Based on expected changes to the tumor immune microenvironment, particularly the importance of IFNγ to the immune response and driving both T-cell function and exhaustion, next-generation NPs codelivering IFNγ were designed. These offered mixed benefits, exchanging improved polyfunctionality for increased T-cell exhaustion and demonstrating higher systemic toxicity . Further profiling of the immune response with these NPs provides insight into T-cell exhaustion and polyfunctionality induced by different formulations, providing a greater understanding of this immunotherapeutic strategy.