Bacterial Outer Membrane Vesicles Loaded with Perhexiline Suppress Tumor Development by Regulating Tumor-Associated Macrophages Repolarization in a Synergistic Way

Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Jul 7;24(13):11222. doi: 10.3390/ijms241311222.

Abstract

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) promote tumor development and metastasis and are categorized into M1-like macrophages, suppressing tumor cells, and M2-like macrophages. M2-like macrophages, occupying a major role in TAMs, can be repolarized into anti-tumoral phenotypes. In this study, outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) secreted by Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 carry perhexiline (OMV@Perhx) to explore the influence of OMVs and perhexiline on TAM repolarization. OMV@Perhx was internalized by macrophages and regulated the phenotype of TAMs from M2-like to M1-like efficiently to increase the level of tumor suppressor accordingly. Re-polarized macrophages promoted apoptosis and inhibited the mobility of tumor, cells including invasion and migration. The results indicate that OMVs improve the efficacy of perhexiline and also represent a promising natural immunomodulator. Combining OMVs with perhexiline treatments shows powerfully synergistic anti-tumor effects through co-culturing with re-polarized macrophages. This work is promising to exploit the extensive applications of OMVs and chemical drugs, therefore developing a meaningful drug carrier and immunomodulator as well as expanding the purposes of traditional chemical drugs.

Keywords: M1; M2; OMVs; TAMs; immunomodulatory; perhexiline; repolarization.

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Outer Membrane
  • Escherichia coli
  • Humans
  • Macrophages
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Perhexiline / pharmacology
  • Tumor-Associated Macrophages*

Substances

  • Perhexiline