Dual-Targeting Multivalent Aptamer-Drug Hybrids for Synergistic Cancer Immunotherapy

View at publisher
Authors: Hongli Chi, Yanlin Du, Wei Lv, Keli An, Xinru Lv, Sining Zhao, Yuxin Zeng, Xinni Liu, Pengju Li, Wangbo Qu, Chunyan Fan, Zheng Wang
+5 more Anna S. Kichkailo, Tao Fu, Ming Cheng, Penghui Zhang, Weihong Tan
Cited by: 4
References: 61

Abstract

Targeted drug conjugates (TDCs) have transformed cancer therapy by enabling selective delivery of cytotoxic agents, yet most existing designs rely on single-antigen targeting and single-payload architectures that limit efficacy in heterogeneous tumors and restrict opportunities for integrating orthogonal mechanisms of action. Here, we report circular, dual-targeting multivalent aptamer-drug hybrids ( Dual o-mvApDHs D/S ) that codeliver doxorubicin (Dox) and STING agonist (diABZI) for synergistic chemo-immunotherapy. Built on a programmable DNA scaffold with defined valence and high loading capacity, the Dual o-mvApDHs D/S simultaneously engage c-Met and CD71 to enhance tumor-specific uptake through heteromultireceptor-mediated endocytosis, achieving efficient intracellular delivery and robust tumor accumulation in vivo . Within tumor cells, Dox induces genotoxic stress and potent immunogenic cell death, while diABZI activates cGAS-STING signaling to amplify type I interferon responses. This coordinated action remodels the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, promoting dendritic cell recruitment and activation, expanding IFN-responsive macrophages and conventional dendritic cells, and driving the proliferation and functional maintenance of cytotoxic CD8 + T cells. Single-cell RNA and TCR sequencing revealed increased TCR diversity, reduced terminal exhaustion, and strengthened effector differentiation in response to combination therapy. Notably, Dual o-mvApDHs D/S synergize with PD-1 blockade to achieve durable tumor eradication and long-term protection. These findings establish multivalent aptamer-drug hybrids as a versatile platform for multitarget, multipayload precision therapeutics and highlight their potential for next-generation TDC design.

Fields of Study & Subjects

interferon and immune responses Protein Degradation and Inhibitors Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of the American Chemical Society
Publisher
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Volume
148
Issue
15
Pages
15782–15796
Publication date
13 April 2026
Language
EN