Microneedle-assisted lymphatic delivery of a natural immune modulator for enhanced cancer immunotherapy
발표자
임수연 (성균관대학교)
연구책임자
정지훈 (성균관대학교)
초록
내용
Cancer immunotherapy can boost the immune system's fight against cancer, but it faces challenges like diverse tumors and side effects. Microneedles are a non-invasive way to deliver drugs, vaccines, and therapies directly to the skin, offering targeted delivery. Our study developed dissolving microneedles(dMN) made from a biocompatible tri-block copolymer that forms nano-micelles with drugs when applied to the skin. We used the dMN technology to formulate SKKU-06, a hydrophobic natural immune modulator derived from fungi, which exhibits anti-cancer and immunomodulatory properties in melanoma (SSKU-06@dMN). This process was even more effective when combined with anti-PD-1 treatment, reducing tumor growth and enhancing survival. The dMN-guided lymphatic delivery of SKKU-06 demonstrates the potential for treating metastatic tumors and improving cancer immunotherapy efficacy by modulating the tumor microenvironment.