2. Academic Validation
  3. Strategically engineered Au(I) complexes for orchestrated tumor eradication via chemo-phototherapy and induced immunogenic cell death

Strategically engineered Au(I) complexes for orchestrated tumor eradication via chemo-phototherapy and induced immunogenic cell death

  • Nat Commun. 2024 Sep 18;15(1):8187. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-52458-4.
Na Feng # 1,  Zhen Peng # 2,  Xin Zhang 3,  Yiling Lin 1,  Lianrui Hu 4,  Lei Zheng 5,  Ben Zhong Tang 6,  Jing Zhang 7
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
  • 2 National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
  • 3 Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Molecule Intelligent Syntheses, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China.
  • 4 Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Molecule Intelligent Syntheses, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China. lrhu@chem.ecnu.edu.cn.
  • 5 Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China. nfyyzhenglei@smu.edu.cn.
  • 6 School of Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Aggregate Science and Technology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen), Guangdong, 518172, China. tangbenz@cuhk.edu.cn.
  • 7 Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China. zhangjingzisefeng@163.com.
  • # Contributed equally.
PMID: 39294133 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52458-4
Abstract

Cancer is a significant cause of death around the world, and for many varieties, treatment is not successful. Therefore, there is a need for the development of innovative, efficacious, and precisely targeted treatments. Here, we develop a series of Au(I) complexes (1-4) through rational manipulation of ligand structures, thereby achieving tumor cell specific targeting and orchestrated tumor eradication via chemo-phototherapy and induced immunogenic cell death. A comprehensive exploration based on in vitro and in vivo female mice experimentation shows that complex 4 exhibits proficiency in specific tumor imaging, endoplasmic reticulum targeting, and has robust therapeutic capabilities. Mechanistic elucidation indicates that the Anticancer effect derives from the synergistic actions of thioredoxin reductase inhibition, highly efficient Reactive Oxygen Species production and immunogenic cell death. This work presents a report on a robust Au(I) complex integrating three therapeutic modalities within a singular system. The strategy presented in this work provides a valuable reference for the development of high-performance therapeutic agents.

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