interleukin-2 + ZIF-8 + Salmonella

This drug is an **experimental multi-component cancer immunotherapy** that combines three distinct technologies: - **Interleukin-2 (IL-2):** a cytokine that stimulates proliferation and activation of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, commonly used as an immunotherapy to enhance anti-tumor immune responses[1][5]. - **ZIF-8 (Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8):** a metal-organic framework (MOF) nanomaterial often used to encapsulate biomolecules or drugs, protecting them from degradation and enabling controlled release. ZIF-8 can facilitate delivery of biomacromolecules such as cytokines to the tumor microenvironment (TME). - **Salmonella (attenuated strain):** genetically engineered or otherwise attenuated Salmonella bacteria which preferentially colonize tumors and act as a delivery vehicle for biologic therapies. Salmonella can modulate the tumor microenvironment, recruit immune cells, and be engineered for payload delivery[3][4][5]. **Mechanism of action:** - The Salmonella vector selectively colonizes tumors, stimulating local immune responses. - ZIF-8 encapsulation prolongs the stability and bioavailability of IL-2 and/or aids its targeted release at the tumor. - Locally delivered IL-2 activates cytotoxic T cells and NK cells, enhancing anti-tumor immunity while minimizing systemic toxicity. - The combined approach aims to overcome the rapid clearance and toxicity of systemic IL-2, while leveraging the immunomodulatory properties of bacteria and nanocarrier. **Current status:** This specific triple-combination (interleukin-2 + ZIF-8 + Salmonella) is not a marketed pharmaceutical but represents a line of experimental cancer immunotherapy under preclinical or early translational evaluation. Attenuated Salmonella engineered to deliver IL-2 (with or without encapsulation technologies) is under clinical study for several cancers; the ZIF-8-IL-2-Salmonella platform is referenced in preclinical studies as a tumor-targeted immunostimulant[1][3][4][5].

Other names

IL-2 + ZIF-8 + SalmonellaIL-2@ZIF-8/Salmonella