Intraperitoneal Co-Delivery of Claudin18.2×41BB and EpCAM×CD3 Bispecific Antibodies via mRNA-LNPs Synergistically Suppresses Gastric Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis Through T Cell Co-Activation

Introductions: Gastric Cancer with peritoneal metastasis (GCPM) carries a poor prognosis, constrained by inadequate drug delivery, systemic toxicity, and an immunosuppressive microenvironment. We developed E3C4, a single mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) co-encoding EpCAM×CD3 and Claudin18.2×41BB bispecific antibodies (BsAbs), to achieve localized dual-antigen T cell co-activation against GCPM.

Methods: E3C4 was prepared by co-encapsulating m¹Ψ-modified mRNAs using ionizable lipids. Functional characterization included surface plasmon resonance (SPR) for binding affinity, T cell-dependent cytotoxicity (TDCC), and 4-1BB reporter assays. In vivo efficacy was evaluated in PBMC-humanized mice bearing subcutaneous or orthotopic NCI-N87 tumors. Immune infiltration and cytokine release were analyzed via flow cytometry and ELISA. Safety was assessed in C57BL/6J mice through acute and repeated-dose toxicity studies.

Results: Consequently, E3C4 exhibited optimal particle size and encapsulation efficiency. SPR confirmed high affinity for both BsAbs (KD ~10^-10 M). Synergistic T cell activation achieved 80.9% cytotoxicity in vitro, significantly surpassing EpCAM×CD3 alone (29.1%, P<0.001). In subcutaneous models, 3 μg E3C4 induced 98.5% tumor growth inhibition with enhanced T cell infiltration and granzyme B expression. Intraperitoneal delivery enabled 96.4% tumor-localized expression, yielding superior efficacy over recombinant BsAbs in orthotopic models. E3C4 showed no mortality or cytokine release syndrome, with only transient elevations in IL-6, AST and ALT, as well as a >10% body weight loss that resolved within 2 weeks. The maximum tolerated dose exceeded the therapeutic dose by >200-fold.

Conclusion: E3C4 constitutes a localized, synergistic platform that enables dual-antigen T cell co-activation within the peritoneal cavity. This approach maximizes antitumor efficacy while circumventing systemic toxicity, offering a novel immunotherapeutic strategy for GCPM.

41BB; CD3; EpCAM, Claudin18.2; T cell co-activation; bispecific antibodies; gastric cancer; mRNA-lipid nanoparticles; peritoneal metastasis.