Bio- and Nanomaterials for Tumor Therapy and Cancer Drug Delivery

Dear Colleagues,

Tumor immunotherapy has emerged as a transformative modality in oncology; however, its clinical efficacy remains limited by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, insufficient immune activation, and poor drug penetration. To overcome these challenges, both oncolytic microbes (including bacteria and viruses) and nanoparticle-based platforms have garnered increasing attention for their ability to stimulate robust anti-tumor immune responses. Oncolytic bacteria and viruses offer unique tumor-targeting capabilities and can directly induce immunogenic tumor cell death while remodeling the immune landscape. Meanwhile, nanomaterials provide versatile tools for targeted delivery of immunomodulators, controlled release, and enhanced accumulation in tumor tissues via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect or active targeting strategies.

This Special Issue aims to showcase cutting-edge advances in oncolytic microbial therapy and nanotechnology-enabled immunotherapy, with a focus on their individual roles in enhancing anti-tumor immune responses. Both original research and comprehensive review articles are welcome.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Oncolytic bacteria and viruses for tumor-specific immune activation;
• Immune modulation by bacterial or viral components (e.g., PAMPs, cytokines);
• Nanoparticle-based delivery of immune checkpoint inhibitors or adjuvants;
• Nanovaccines for cancer immunotherapy;
• Remodeling of the tumor immune microenvironment via nanomaterials or microbes;
• Combination strategies of microbial therapy or nanomedicine with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or ICIs.

This Special Issue welcomes contributions that provide new insights and tools to advance the next generation of tumor immunotherapeutic strategies.

Dr. Zhiting Cao
Dr. Jilong Wang
Guest Editors

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