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Nanomedicine and Nanoscale Delivery (Focus Group – NND)

Enzyme-switchable polymer conjugate induces lysosomal pyroptosis and enhances PD-1 blockade

Torsha Ghosh – Ph.D, Sungkyunkwan University; Jueun Jeon – Ph.D, Sungkyunkwan University; Jae Hyung Park – Prof, Sungkyunkwan University
Introduction: Pyroptosis is an immune-stimulating cell death. It is driven by gasdermin pores and inflammatory cytokines. It can help the immune system see tumors. But it is hard to turn on only in tumors. We built an enzyme-switch polymer conjugate (EPIC). It turns on in cathepsin B–rich lysosomes and triggers gasdermin D pyroptosis. We tested whether this can improve anti-PD-1 therapy.

Learning Objectives:

  • Upon completion, participant will be able to describe EPIC activation by cathepsin B.
  • Upon completion, participant will be able to list tests used to confirm GSDMD-driven pyroptosis.
  • Upon completion, participant will be able to explain how EPIC can boost anti-PD-1 tumor control.