Bioinorganic hybrid bacteriophage for modulation of intestinal microbiota to remodel tumor-immune microenvironment against colorectal cancer

Mounting evidence suggests that the gut microbiota contribute to colorectal cancer (CRC) tumorigenesis, in which the symbiotic Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) selectively increases immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) to hamper the host's anticancer immune response. Here, a specifically Fn-binding M13 phage was screened by phage display technology. Then, silver nanoparticles (AgNP) were assembled electrostatically on its surface capsid protein (M13@Ag) to achieve specific clearance of Fn and remodel the tumor-immune microenvironment. Both in vitro and in vivo studies showed that of M13@Ag treatment could scavenge Fn in gut and lead to reduction in MDSC amplification in the tumor site. In addition, antigen-presenting cells (APCs) were activated by M13 phages to further awaken the host immune system for CRC suppression. M13@Ag combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors (alpha-PD1) or chemotherapeutics (FOLFIRI) significantly prolonged overall mouse survival in the orthotopic CRC model.