PD-L1 Blockade with Biodegradable Envafolimab-Loaded Microspheres Synergizes with Transarterial Chemoembolization to Overcome Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell-Driven Immune Escape in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) remains a cornerstone locoregional therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), yet post-TACE tumor recurrence remains a critical challenge. Our single-cell RNA analysis reveals that tumor recurrence is mechanistically linked to TACE-induced expansion of PD-L1 + myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs).To counterbalance these paradoxical effects, we developed a self-degradable microsphere (MS) composed of hyaluronic acid and gelatin for sustained local delivery of the anti-PD-L1 antibody Envafolimab (KN035) to reshape the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Comprehensive characterization validated KN035-MS’s spherical morphology, high drug-loading efficiency, and controlled release kinetics. In BALB/c-hPD-L1 murine HCC models, transhepatic arterial embolization with KN035-MS post-TACE achieved superior tumor suppression compared to systemic KN035 administration while demonstrating favorable biocompatibility. Mechanistically, KN035-MS effectively counteracted TACE-induced PD-L1 + MDSC infiltration and reprogrammed the TME by enhancing CD8+/CD4+ T-cell activation, increasing the number of innate lymphocytes (ILC), and polarizing macrophages toward an M1 phenotype. Critically, localized delivery via KN035-MS prolonged intratumoral drug retention, overcoming the rapid systemic clearance observed with conventional administration. These findings establish KN035-MS as a synergistic adjunct to TACE, addressing both inefficient drug delivery and postembolization immune evasion. This dual-mechanism strategy provides a clinically translatable approach to mitigate HCC recurrence, warranting further investigation in combinatorial locoregional-immunotherapy paradigms.