Nanoparticle delivery of miR-21-3p sensitizes melanoma to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy by promoting ferroptosis

BACKGROUND: Although anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) immunotherapy is greatly effective in melanoma treatment, low response rate and treatment resistance significantly hinder its efficacy. Tumor cell ferroptosis triggered by interferon (IFN)-γ that is derived from tumor-infiltrating CD8(+) T cells greatly contributes to the effect of immunotherapy. However, the molecular mechanism underlying IFN-γ-mediated ferroptosis and related potentially promising therapeutic strategy warrant further clarification. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in ferroptosis execution and can be delivered systemically by multiple carriers, which have manifested obvious therapeutic effects on cancer. METHODS: MiRNAs expression profile in IFN-γ-driven ferroptosis was obtained by RNA sequencing. Biochemical assays were used to clarify the role of miR-21-3p in IFN-γ-driven ferroptosis and the underlying mechanism. MiR-21-3p-loaded gold nanoparticles were constructed and systemically applied to analyze the role of miR-21-3p in anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in preclinical transplanted tumor model. RESULTS: MiRNAs expression profile of melanoma cells in IFN-γ-driven ferroptosis was first obtained. Then, upregulated miR-21-3p was proved to facilitate IFN-γ-mediated ferroptosis by potentiating lipid peroxidation. miR-21-3p increased the ferroptosis sensitivity by directly targeting thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1) to enhance lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Furthermore, miR-21-3p overexpression in tumor synergized with anti-PD-1 antibody by promoting tumor cell ferroptosis. More importantly, miR-21-3p-loaded gold nanoparticles were constructed, and the systemic delivery of them increased the efficacy of anti-PD-1 antibody without prominent side effects in preclinical mice model. Ultimately, ATF3 was found to promote miR-21-3p transcription in IFN-γ-driven ferroptosis. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-21–3 p upregulation contributes to IFN-γ-driven ferroptosis and synergizes with anti-PD-1 antibody. Nanoparticle delivery of miR-21–3 p is a promising therapeutic approach to increase immunotherapy efficacy without obvious systemic side effects.