RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) can regulate multiple pathways by binding to RNAs, playing a variety of functions, such as localization, stability, and immunity. In recent years, with the development of technology, researchers have discovered that RBPs play a key role in the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification process. M6A methylation is the most abundant form of RNA modification in eukaryotes, which is defined as methylation on the sixth N atom of adenine in RNA. Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) is one of the components of m6A binding proteins, which plays an important role in decoding m6A marks and performing various biological functions. IGF2BP3 is abnormally expressed in many human cancers, often associated with poor prognosis. Here, we summarize the physiological role of IGF2BP3 in organisms and describe its role and mechanism in tumors. These data suggest that IGF2BP3 may be a valuable therapeutic target and prognostic marker in the future.

Breast cancer (BC) is the world’s second most frequent malignancy and the leading cause of mortality among women. All in situ or invasive breast cancer derives from terminal tubulobular units; when the tumor is present only in the ducts or lobules in situ, it is called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)/lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). The biggest risk factors are age, mutations in breast cancer genes 1 or 2 (BRCA1 or BRCA2), and dense breast tissue. Current treatments are associated with various side effects, recurrence, and poor quality of life. The critical role of the immune system in breast cancer progression/regression should always be considered. Several immunotherapy techniques for BC have been studied, including tumor-targeted antibodies (bispecific antibodies), adoptive T cell therapy, vaccinations, and immune checkpoint inhibition with anti-PD-1 antibodies. In the last decade, significant breakthroughs have been made in breast cancer immunotherapy. This advancement was principally prompted by cancer cells’ escape of immune regulation and the tumor’s subsequent resistance to traditional therapy. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown potential as a cancer treatment. It is less intrusive, more focused, and less damaging to normal cells and tissues. It entails the employment of a photosensitizer (PS) and a specific wavelength of light to create reactive oxygen species. Recently, an increasing number of studies have shown that PDT combined with immunotherapy improves the effect of tumor drugs and reduces tumor immune escape, improving the prognosis of breast cancer patients. Therefore, we objectively evaluate strategies for their limitations and benefits, which are critical to improving outcomes for breast cancer patients. In conclusion, we offer many avenues for further study on tailored immunotherapy, such as oxygen-enhanced PDT and nanoparticles.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) causes a significant mortality burden worldwide. Radiotherapy (RT) is the primary locoregional treatment modality for HCC. However, the efficacy of RT in HCC is limited by tumor microenvironment (TME) hypoxia, immunosuppression, and extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness.

Radiotherapy (RT) has great potential on activating antitumor immunity for combination therapy, yet this effect is limited by immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and the potential toxicity in immune cells from high-dose radiation. Herein, we developed engineered nanoparticles (NPs) (CVs@MgMn) composed of genetically edited cellular vesicles (CVs), MnO2 and MgCO3 for enhanced radioimmunotherapy by remolding TME and activating the stimulator of the interferon genes (STING) pathway. In the TME, the efficiently enriched CVs@MgMn were decomposed to generate hydroxyl (‧OH) and oxygen (O2) for radiosensitization. Subsequently, reduced Mn2+ activated the STING pathway to promote dendritic cell (DC) maturation, and the released Mg2+ boosted antitumor immunity by regulating CD8+ T cell metabolism and tumor-associated macrophage polarization. PD1-displayed CVs increased the targeting effect of NPs and mediated the PD-L1 blocking, all synergistically triggering antitumor immune responses. In both in situ and distant re-challenge models of melanoma, the combination of RT and nanocomposites demonstrated a strong radioimmunotherapy effect, resulting in an increased survival time and long-term immunological memory of tumor bearing mice. Moreover, MgCO3 NPs synergistically promoted anti-PD-1 mAb immunotherapy. These findings highlight the importance of Mg/Mn combined supplementation and TME remolding during RT and immunotherapy, offered a simple and readily therapeutic strategy for patients with any type of solid tumor.

Given the abundant stroma of the liver and that cirrhosis or hepatic fibrosis is the premalignant condition of most hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), underscores the critical interaction between extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness and the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the initiation, progression, and immunotherapy of HCC. This review presents a comprehensive exploration of the factors that regulate matrix stiffness, including the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the excessive deposition of ECM proteins, and cross-linking. Furthermore, this review explores the underlying molecular pathways through which matrix stiffness affects the prevalence of tumors and immune cells. Based on these premises, we delve into the potential targets and roles of pharmacological interventions targeting matrix stiffness in HCC and its immunotherapy, and highlight the considerable potential of biomaterials for the development of ECM stiffness-targeted agents. The potential exists for such agents to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy and prolong the survival of patients diagnosed with HCC.