A cuproptosis-inducing covalent organic framework synergizes with oncolytic virus for tumor radiotherapy.
Acquired radioresistance limits effective radiotherapy. Cuproptosis is a copper-dependent form of cell death driven by mitochondrial copper accumulation and lipoylated protein aggregation. Building on evidence that radioresistant cancer cells exhibit increased cuproptosis susceptibility, here we combine a radiation-responsive, copper-incorporated covalent organic framework (COF‑Tpy‑Se‑Cu) with an oncolytic adenovirus to target this vulnerability. X-ray irradiation triggers copper release from COF‑Tpy‑Se‑Cu and induces FDX1-dependent cuproptosis, while the oncolytic adenovirus depletes intracellular glutathione and stabilizes FDX1 by limiting its mitochondrial protease-mediated degradation. The combination enhances tumor cell death and remodels the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment into a T-cell-inflamed state. In models of radioresistant tumors in female mice, this regimen improves tumor control and elicits CD8+ T cell-dependent systemic antitumor immunity and durable immunological memory. These findings support the combined use of radiation-responsive copper delivery and oncolytic virotherapy as a strategy for exploiting cuproptosis susceptibility and improving radiotherapy responses.
Authors
Liu Liu, Liu Liu, Li Li, Wang Wang, Bie Bie, Wei Wei, Gou Gou, Wan Wan, Li Li, Zhang Zhang, He He
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