Bacterial Biohybrids for Invasion of Tumor Cells Promote Antigen Cross-Presentation through Gap Junction.

Due to inherent differences in cellular composition and metabolic behavior with host cells, tumor-harbored bacteria can discriminatorily affect tumor immune landscape. However, the mechanisms by which intracellular bacteria affect antigen presentation process between tumor cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) are largely unknown. We investigate the invasion behavior of attenuated Salmonella VNP20009 (VNP) into tumor cells and attempt to modulate this behavior by modifying positively charged polymers on the surface of VNP. We find that non-toxic chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) modified VNP (VNP@COS) bolsters the formation of gap junction between tumor cells and APCs by enhancing the ability of VNP to infect tumor cells. On this basis, we designed a bacterial biohybrid to promote in situ antigen cross-presentation through intracellular bacteria induced gap junction. This bacterial biohybrid also enhances the expression of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules on the surface of tumor cells through the incorporation of Mdivi-1 coupled with VNP@COS. This strategic integration serves to heighten the immunogenic exposure of tumor antigens while preserving the cytotoxic potency of T cells. We propose a strategy to precisely controlling the function and local effects of microorganisms within tumors. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.