Ultrasound‐Activated Piezoelectric Nanoparticles Targeting and Activating NK Cells for Tumor Immunotherapy

R Ruitong Zhang W Wenwen Yang Z Zhiyuan Zhou M Miaomiao Ding (School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University) H Hao Wang (Division of Quantitative Sciences, Department of Oncology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland USA) W Wenjing Yuan (Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology School of Basic Medical Sciences Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University Shandong University Jinan Shandong 250012 China) R Renhui Sun (Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology School of Basic Medical Sciences Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University Shandong University Jinan Shandong 250012 China) X Xuetian Yue (Department of Cellular Biology School of Basic Medical Science Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University Shandong University Jinan Shandong 250012 China) Z Zhuanchang Wu (Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology School of Basic Medical Sciences Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University Shandong University Jinan Shandong 250012 China) C Chunyang Li (School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.) L Lifen Gao (Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology School of Basic Medical Sciences Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University Shandong University Jinan Shandong 250012 China) C Chunhong Ma H Hong Liu X Xiaohong Liang (Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology School of Basic Medical Sciences Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University Shandong University Jinan Shandong 250012 China)

Abstract

Abstract Natural killer (NK) cells can swiftly and efficiently kill tumor cells with low toxicity and show great potential as anticancer agents. However, the hostile tumor microenvironment (TME) reduces the number and functionality of NK cells, leading to tumor progression and the limited therapeutic effect of adoptively transferred NK cells, especially in solid tumors. Here, via mussel‐inspired chemistry and targeted antibody modification strategies, functional piezoelectric nanoparticles are designed to target NK cells, named as αCD56‐P@BT (for human) or αNK1.1‐P@BT (for mouse). With external ultrasonic stimulation, αCD56‐P@BT or αNK1.1‐P@BT can enhance the cytotoxicity and cytokine‐producing ability of NK cells. Mechanistically, the synergistic mechanical and electrical signals generated by ultrasound‐irritated P@BT activate the TRP ion channel‐mediated calcium ion influx and cytoskeleton rearrangement, in turn improving NK cell migration, infiltration, and function. Upon transfer therapy, NK cells loaded with αNK1.1‐P@BT exhibit superior antitumor efficacy in mice with subcutaneous melanoma or intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma under ultrasonic treatment. Moreover, transfer of αCD56‐P@BT loaded NK‐92 cells retard the growth of human hepatoma xenograft in immunodeficient mice. This work establishes a wireless electrostimulation strategy integrating ultrasound‐responsive nanomaterials to potentiate the cytotoxic activity of NK cells, thereby advancing the clinical translation of NK cell adoptive immunotherapy for solid tumors.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 37, Issue 47
Published November 01, 2025
ISSN 0935-9648
Publisher Unknown Publisher

Journal Info

Advanced Materials

Unknown Publisher

ISSN: 0935-9648 Physical Sciences

Authors (14)

R

Ruitong Zhang

W

Wenwen Yang

Z

Zhiyuan Zhou

M

Miaomiao Ding

School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University

H

Hao Wang

Division of Quantitative Sciences, Department of Oncology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland USA

W

Wenjing Yuan

Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology School of Basic Medical Sciences Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University Shandong University Jinan Shandong 250012 China

R

Renhui Sun

Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology School of Basic Medical Sciences Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University Shandong University Jinan Shandong 250012 China

X

Xuetian Yue

Department of Cellular Biology School of Basic Medical Science Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University Shandong University Jinan Shandong 250012 China

Z

Zhuanchang Wu

Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology School of Basic Medical Sciences Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University Shandong University Jinan Shandong 250012 China

C

Chunyang Li

School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.

L

Lifen Gao

Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology School of Basic Medical Sciences Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University Shandong University Jinan Shandong 250012 China

C

Chunhong Ma

H

Hong Liu

X

Xiaohong Liang

Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology School of Basic Medical Sciences Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University Shandong University Jinan Shandong 250012 China