Intracellular Nanoparticle Formation and Hydroxychloroquine Release for Autophagy-Inhibited Mild-Temperature Photothermal Therapy for Tumors

Mild-temperature photothermal therapy (PTT) of tumors has been intensively explored and adopted in preclinical/clinical trials in recent years. Nevertheless, tumor thermoresistance significantly compromises the therapeutic efficacy of mild-temperature PTT, and therefore, the extra addition of anti-thermoresistance agent is needed. Herein, by rational design of a peptide-hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) conjugate Cypate-Phe-Phe-Lys(SA-HCQ)-Tyr(H₂PO₃)-OH (Cyp-HCQ-Yp), a “smart” strategy of enzyme-triggered simultaneously intracellular photothermal nanoparticle formation and HCQ release is proposed for autophagy-inhibited mild-temperature PTT of tumor. In vitro results show that, under sequential catalysis of enzymes alkaline phosphatase and carboxylesterase, Cyp-HCQ-Yp is converted to Cypate-Phe-Phe-Lys(SA)-Tyr-OH (Cyp-Y) which self-assembles into its nanoparticle Cyp-NP and HCQ is released from Cyp-HCQ-Yp. By comparing with two control agents, it is validated that the exceptional therapeutic effect of Cyp-HCQ-Yp on tumor in vivo is achieved by its dual-enzyme-controlled intracellular nanoparticle formation and autophagy inhibition in tumors.