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A Carbon-Based Nanozyme Derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine Triggers Lysosome-Mediated Ferroptosis and Sensitizes Oral Cancer to Anti-PD-1 Therapy

delete2026-05-01
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PRE
AI
Y
Yulu Wu
G
Gaowei Zhang
W
Wanyi Luo
G
Grace Paka Lubamba
H
Hongxuan Wei
J
Jiajin Yang
S
Su Chen
W
Weitong Cui
Y
Yuncong Huang
H
Haosen Lian
C
Cheng Miao
L
Lin Que
X
Xiufa Tang
C
Chunjie Li
Z
Zhiyong Guo *
DOI:10.1016/j.carbon.2026.121651delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Resistance to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is strongly linked to a GPX4-high metabolic state that fosters an immunologically "cold" microenvironment. Here, we demonstrate a strategy to overcome this by transforming a complex traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula into a potent, lysosome-targeting carbon-based nanozyme (H-CDs). Synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method, the H-CDs possess an N-doped carbon framework with intrinsically coordinated, atomically dispersed Fe3+ catalytic centers derived from the herbal precursors. Upon accumulation in acidic lysosomes, these nanozymes are activated to catalytically deplete glutathione (Km = 0.133 mM) and generate hydroxyl radicals, triggering lysosomal membrane permeabilization as an upstream event for canonical ferroptosis. This process releases damage-associated molecular patterns, promoting dendritic cell maturation and CD8+ T-cell infiltration, thereby converting immunologically "cold" tumors into "hot" ones. In a syngeneic oral cancer model, combination therapy with H-CDs and an anti-PD-1 antibody achieved a synergistic 87% tumor growth inhibition. This work not only presents a powerful nanozyme for combination immunotherapy but also establishes a framework for rationally designing catalytic nanomedicines from complex, sustainable biomass.
Keywords:
Nanozyme
Ferroptosis
Lysosome
Immune checkpoint blockade
Oral cancer

Journal

Carbon cover
Carbon
IF:
11.6
Papers:
2.0W
Citations:
10.5W

Organization

U
University of Kinshasa
Scholars:
230
Papers: 85
Citations: 747
S
sichuan university
Scholars:
11.5W
Papers: 7.6W
Citations: 100
Cited Papers

Cited Papers

Citing Papers

Citing Papers