X‐Ray‐Responsive Mn 2+ Release via Scintillating Nanoparticles Drives cGAS‐STING Activation for Enhanced Radio‐Immunotherapy

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Authors: Kai Deng, Yile Zheng, Yuqi Han, Yichen Xie, Zhenzhen Luo, Yuting Li, Jinhong Jiang, Zhihui Qin, Xiayu Shi, Honghong Yang, Yuying Yang, Qiwen Shi
+2 more Xiangsheng Liu, Zhen Hong Du
Cited by: 1
References: 19

Abstract

ABSTRACT Radiotherapy (RT) represents a potent approach to activate the cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase (cGAS)–stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway. However, this immune activation is typically transient and insufficient for long‐term tumor control. To overcome this limitation, we developed SCYS‐P@MnCO, an X‐ray‐responsive nanoplatform that integrates radioluminescent scintillating nanoparticles (SCNPs) with photosensitive manganese carbonyl complexes (MnCOs). This design enables the precise, spatiotemporally controlled release of Mn 2+ and carbon monoxide (CO) within the tumor microenvironment. The released Mn 2+ significantly sensitizes cGAS to cytosolic DNA, thereby amplifying STING signaling to promote interferon‐β secretion and dendritic cell maturation. When combined with RT, SCYS‐P@MnCO not only sensitizes tumors to radiation by CO but also induces a potent systemic immune response mediated by Mn 2+ . Together, this X‐ray‐responsive nanoplatform synergistically enhances radiosensitivity while amplifying innate immune activation, providing an effective strategy for advancing radio‐immunotherapy.

Fields of Study & Subjects

interferon and immune responses Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics Ferroptosis and cancer prognosis

Publication details

Journal / source
Small
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
22
Issue
33
Pages
e73513–e73513
Publication date
23 April 2026
Language
EN