Targeted drug-loaded peptides induce tumor cell apoptosis and immunomodulation to increase antitumor efficacy

Immunotherapy is an emerging approach for the treatment of solid tumors. Although chemotherapy is considered immunosuppressive, specific chemotherapeutic agents can enhance tumor immunity. In this study, we developed a targeted, acid-sensitive peptide nanoparticle (DT/Pep1) to deliver doxorubicin (DOX) and triptolide (TPL) to breast cancer cells via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and the breast cancer-targeting effect of peptide D8. Compared with administration of the free drugs, treatment with the DT/Pep1 system increased the accumulation of DOX and TPL at the tumor site and achieved deeper penetration into the tumor tissue. In an acidic environment, DT/Pep1 transformed from spherical nanoparticles to aggregates with a high aspect ratio, which successfully extended the retention of the drugs in the tumor cells and bolstered the anticancer effect. In both in vivo and in vitro experiments, DT/Pep1 effectively blocked the cell cycle and induced apoptosis. Importantly, the DT/Pep1 system efficiently suppressed tumor development in mice bearing 4 T1 tumors while simultaneously promoting immune system activation. Thus, the results of this study provide a system for breast cancer therapy and offer a novel and promising platform for peptide nanocarrier-based drug delivery.