Conclusion
This study uniquely demonstrates that SiNPs suppress lung cancer by promoting M1 polarization of macrophages in the immune microenvironment of lung tumors. Our findings are critical in exploring the interaction between SiNPs and lung cancer.
Methods
In this investigation, Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) was implanted into the left lung in situ after 28 days of intratracheal SiNPs injection into the lungs of mice. This study evaluates the effects of SiNPs on the tumor immune microenvironment both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings indicate that SiNPs can suppress lung cancer by modulating the immune microenvironment of tumors.
Results
SiNPs treatment promotes macrophage M1 polarization by activating both NF-κB pathway and glycolytic mechanisms. This phenomenon may be associated with lung inflammation and fluctuation in the pre-metastatic and metastatic microenvironments induced by SiNPs exposure in mice. Additionally, we have shown for the first time that SiNPs have an inhibitory effect on lung carcinogenesis and its progression.