Abstract

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.

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)