Targeting AURKA with multifunctional nanoparticles in CRPC therapy

Abstract

Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) presents significant therapeutic challenges due to its aggressive nature and poor prognosis. Targeting Aurora-A kinase (AURKA) has shown promise in cancer treatment. This study investigates the efficacy of ART-T cell membrane-encapsulated AMS@AD (CM-AMS@AD) nanoparticles (NPs) in a photothermal–chemotherapy–immunotherapy combination for CRPC. Bioinformatics analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas-prostate adenocarcinoma (TCGA-PRAD) dataset revealed overexpression of AURKA in PCa, correlating with poor clinical outcomes. Single-cell RNA sequencing data from the GEO database showed a significant reduction in immune cells in CRPC. Experimentally, T cell membrane-biomimetic NPs loaded with the AURKA inhibitor Alisertib and chemotherapy drug DTX were synthesized and characterized by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, showing good stability and uniformity (average diameter: 158 nm). In vitro studies demonstrated that these NPs inhibited CRPC cell proliferation, increased the G2/M cell population, and elevated apoptosis, confirmed by γH2AX expression. In vivo, CM-AMS@AD NPs accumulated in tumor tissues, significantly slowed tumor growth, decreased proliferation, increased apoptosis, and improved the immune environment, enhancing dendritic cell (DC) maturation and increasing CD8 + /CD4 + ratios. These findings suggest that CM-AMS@AD NPs offer a promising triple-combination therapy for CRPC, integrating photothermal, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, with significant potential for future clinical applications. Graphical Abstract Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-024-03070-7.