Enhancing the immunogenicity of macrophages in radiation therapy using gold nanoparticles

Promoters

Prof. Anne-Catherine HEUSKIN, UNamur, Department of physics, Physics of Matter and Radiation (PMR), Laboratory of Analysis by Nuclear Reaction (LARN)

Prof. Carine MICHIELS, UNamur, Department of biology, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology (URBC)

Jury

• Prof. Julien COLAUX (UNamur), Président
• Prof. Anne-Catherine HEUSKIN (UNamur), Secrétaire
• Prof. Carine MICHIELS (UNamur)
• Prof. Henri-François RENARD (UNamur)
• Prof. Michel MOUTSCHEN (ULiège)
• Dr Dimitri STANICKI (UMons)
• Prof. Devika CHITHRANI (University of Victoria, Canada)

Summary

This work demonstrates that polymer-coated gold nanoparticles can function not only as radiosensitizers but also as agents for macrophage reprogramming. Specifically, we show that these nanoparticles can repolarize tumor-associated macrophages from the immunosuppressive M2 phenotype to the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype—a process further enhanced by clinically relevant doses of X-ray radiation. Among the four nanoparticle formulations tested, 50 nm PVP-coated gold nanoparticles were particularly effective in promoting macrophage repolarization and reducing pancreatic cancer cell viability in co-culture, both with and without radiation. These findings highlight a promising strategy to enhance the efficacy of cancer radiotherapy.