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Anticancer efficacy of noble metal nanoparticles relies on reprogramming tumor-associated macrophages through redox pathways and pro-inflammatory cytokine cascades

Cellular & Molecular Immunology volume 15, pages 1088–1090 (2018)Cite this article

The use of the optoelectronic properties of noble metal nanoparticles has given a new dimension to the realm of cancer diagnosis and therapy (theranostics). The multifunctional catalytic properties and surface plasmon resonance of noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) along with their facile surface chemistry gives them an edge in the field of biology, including for immunotherapeutic applications. In a previous study, we reported the anticancer efficacy of silver NPs coated with murine serum albumin against fibrosarcoma in an in vivo mouse model, highlighting their role in eliciting oxystress and immune interference. In addition to addressing the bioavailability and toxicity parameters, our study reported that there was a significant reduction in the size, as well as a delay in the incidence of tumors with AgNP-MSA treatment. Transmission electron micrographs revealed AgNP-MSA uptake by sentinel immune cells associated with the tumor along with the downregulation of pro-tumorigenic inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β.1

Subsequently, we explored the mechanism of action of noble metal NPs, such as silver and gold on tumor-associated immune cells. Circulating monocytes and tissue resident macrophages constitute key components of the immune response to tumor cells. Macrophage plasticity functions along a M1–M2 axis.2 Classical IFN-γ-dependent activation recruits the M1 subset of macrophages that are cytotoxic and immunoregulatory in nature, whereas others exhibiting the M2 phenotype appear to participate in neoplastic transformation at inflammatory niches, where they promote tumor sustenance by inducing tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. As the latter remains associated with the tumor microenvironment, establishing a cardinal link between inflammation and carcinogenesis, they are coined tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and are characterized by anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biotechnology, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, 788011, India

    Mahuya Sengupta, Ramkrishna Pal, Anupam Nath, Biswajit Chakraborty, Leichombam Mohindro Singh & Biswajit Das

  2. Department of Chemistry, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, 788011, India

    Sujit Kumar Ghosh

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  1. Mahuya Sengupta
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Sengupta, M., Pal, R., Nath, A. et al. Anticancer efficacy of noble metal nanoparticles relies on reprogramming tumor-associated macrophages through redox pathways and pro-inflammatory cytokine cascades. Cell Mol Immunol 15, 1088–1090 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41423-018-0046-7

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