Targeting and reversing tumor acidic microenvironment with bacterial cellulose-based micelles to enhance immune infiltration

Immune cells infiltrating tumors play a pivotal role in tumor progression regulation; however, their functionality is frequently suppressed by the acidic conditions of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Targeting and reversing tumor acidity holds significant potential for enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapy. Here, we present a proof-of-concept study on tumor acidity-reversal therapy mediated by bacterial cellulose-targeted micelles to promote M2 macrophage repolarization to M1 macrophages and restore the anti-tumor function of T cells. Our strategy utilizes a bacterial cellulose (BC) composite modified with folic acid (FA) and chrysin (BY), loaded with lactic acid-neutralizing chemotherapeutic vincristine (VCR) and lactate dehydrogenase inhibitor GNE-140, to self-assemble into tumor-targeted nanoparticles. Post-treatment, FA-BC-BY@VCR@GNE-140 demonstrated notable efficacy in reversing tumor acidity, inducing tumor cell death, mitigating immunosuppression, and stimulating host adaptive immunity. This approach represents an innovative strategy for synergizing chemotherapy and immunotherapy to combat tumor progression.