Immunomodulatory properties of nickel-doped ferric-based nanoparticles in vitro

• DOI: 10.3889/seejim.2025.6140
• Publication Date: 2025-03-31T10:11:42Z
• Authors: Lenka Rajsiglova; Dmitry Stakheev; Katerina Krausova; Pavol Lukac; Paolo Tenti; Michal Babic; Daniel Smrž; Luca Vannucci

Iron-based nanoparticles (NPs) represent small nanocarriers made of iron oxides. These include magnetite NPs (Fe3O4), maghemite (γ-Fe2O3), or mixed ferrites (metal-doped oxide NPs; MFe2O4, where M can be Co, Ni, Zn, Mn). Due to their unique characteristics, including biocompatibility, reported selective toxicity towards cancer cells, magnetic imaging capabilities, and hyperthermic properties, they are regarded as a promising modality for treatments. In this context, it is crucial assess the impact these on immune anti-cancer responses, immunosuppressive effects cells undesirable in therapies may compromise outcome treatment. For purpose, we initially investigated direct FN (ferric oxide-based doped with Ni) CT26 (murine colorectal adenocarcinoma) cell line. To evaluate response treated syngeneic bone marrow-derived dendritic (BMDCs) were pulsed lysates NP-pretreated cells. BMDCs maturated overnight analyzed by flow cytometry expression maturation markers. A portion prepared was additionally co-cultured T activation assessed examining production IFN-γ TNF-α, along PD-1 TIM-3 using cytometry. Our experiments demonstrated that exhibit direct, dose-dependent toxic effect an increased apoptotic rate No detected concerning markers NP-CT26-pulsed functional capacity activate The pro-inflammatory TNF-α. Moreover, no changes checkpoint molecules linked exhausted phenotype. conclusion, evaluated displayed within our experimental model while preserving findings imply nanoconstruct viable candidate interventions. Acknowledgements: research supported Next Generation EU (NPO Exceles NCI, reg. n. LX22NPO5102), Ministry Health, Czech Republic (project NU23-08-00071), institutional grant RVO 61388971 Institute Microbiology AS CR, v.v.i., donations by: Generali/Ceska pojistovna a.s. (CZ), UniCredit Bank (CZ&SK), Eurinox s.r.o (CZ).