Abstract
Camptothecin (CPT) is a potent chemotherapeutic agent for various cancers, but the broader application of CPT is still hindered by its poor bioavailability and systemic toxicity. Here, a prodrug that releases CPT in response to glutathione (GSH), which is commonly overexpressed by cancer cells is reported. Through assembling with PEGylated lipids, the prodrug is incorporated within as-assembled nanoparticles, affording CPT with a prolonged half-life in blood circulation, enhanced tumor targetingability, and improved therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, such prodrug nanoparticles can also promote dendritic cell maturation and tumor infiltration of CD8(+) T cells, providing a novel strategy to improve the therapeutic efficacy of CPT.