INS8-1573
Immune Modulation Strategies for Improved Tumor Control and Therapy
Topic
S8. Frontiers of Functional Polymers in Biology and Medicine
When and Where
Sep 30, 2026
16:40 - 16:55
Room 108
Session Chairs
Kisuk YANG
Minseok KWAK
Presenter(s)
Ji Hoon Jeong (Sungkyunkwan University)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Effective cancer immunotherapy requires simultaneously activating antigen-presenting cells, priming tumor-specific T cells, and overcoming the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). We developed three integrated platforms targeting the TME–tumor-draining lymph node axis. First, injectable mesoporous silica microrod scaffolds recruit host dendritic cells via sustained GM-CSF release, enabling in situ transfection of antigen-encoding plasmid DNA with CpG and PEI; this elicited robust CD8⁺ T cell responses, Th1-biased immunity, and memory, suppressing lung metastasis with anti-PD-1 in a B16-OVA model. Second, dissolving microneedles deliver Roridin E to lymphatics, inducing immunogenic cell death and MDA5-driven IFN-β secretion, promoting DC maturation, M1 polarization, CD8⁺ infiltration, and Treg depletion. Third, MFT251, a synthetic TBK1 activator, induces type I interferon and enhances phagocytic uptake. Together, combining biomaterial-driven immune recruitment, targeted innate immune modulators, and checkpoint blockade converts immunologically "cold" tumors into "hot" ones, offering a framework to overcome immunotherapy resistance.
