Immunostimulatory Hydrogel with Synergistic Blockage of Glutamine Metabolism and Chemodynamic Therapy for Postoperative Management of Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most lethal malignant brain tumors in the central nervous system. Patients face many challenges after surgery, including tumor recurrence, intracranial pressure increase due to cavitation, and limitations associated with immediate postoperative oral chemotherapy. Here an injected peptide gel with in situ immunostimulatory functions is developed to coordinate the regulation of glutamine metabolism and chemodynamic therapy for overcoming these postoperative obstacles. The methodology entails crafting injectable gel scaffolds with short peptide molecules, incorporating the glutaminase inhibitor CB-839 and copper peptide self-assembled particles (Cu-His NPs) renowned for their chemodynamic therapy (CDT) efficacy. By fine-tuning glutamic acid production via metabolic pathways, this system not only heightens the therapeutic prowess of copper peptide particles in CDT but also escalates intracellular oxidative stress. This dual mechanism culminates in augmented immunogenic cell death within glioblastoma multiforme cells and improves a conducive immune microenvironment. Based on the concept of metabolic reprogramming, this treatment strategy has great potential to significantly reduce GBM tumor recurrence and prolong median survival in murine models.