Tiny surface patches switch on macrophages inside acidic tumors (IMAGE)
Caption
This schematic illustrates the preparation and action of micropatch-engineered macrophages. Anti-CD11b functionalized zinc aluminum layered double hydroxide micropatches are attached to bone marrow-derived macrophages. After the engineered cells enter acidic tumor tissue, the patches release zinc ions to activate STING signaling and consume excess protons to reduce tumor acidity. Together, these effects reprogram tumor-associated macrophages, activate surrounding immune cells, reduce tumor burden, inhibit lung metastasis, and support immune memory after tumor rechallenge.
Credit
Yongkang Xu
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