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Updated: Jun 5, 2026

In Vivo Immunogenicity Screening of Tumor-Derived Extracellular Vesicles by Flow Cytometry of Splenic T Cells
Published on: September 23, 2021
Molecular determinants of immunogenic cell death elicited by anticancer chemotherapy
Oliver Kepp1, Lorenzo Galluzzi, Isabelle Martins
1INSERM, U848, Institut Gustave Roussy, Pavillon de Recherche 1, 94805 Villejuif (Paris), France.
Abstract:
The success of some chemo- and radiotherapeutic regimens relies on the induction of immunogenic tumor cell death and on the induction of an anticancer immune response. Cells succumbing to immunogenic cell death undergo specific changes in their surface characteristics and release pro-immunogenic factors according to a defined spatiotemporal pattern. This stimulates antigen presenting cells such as dendritic cells to efficiently take up tumor antigens, process them, and cross-prime cytotoxic T lymphocytes, thus eliciting a tumor-specific cognate immune response. Such a response can also target therapy-resistant tumor (stem) cells, thereby leading, at least in some instances, to tumor eradication. In this review, we shed some light on the molecular identity of the factors that are required for cell death to be perceived as immunogenic. We discuss the intriguing observations that the most abundant endoplasmic reticulum protein, calreticulin, the most abundant intracellular metabolite, ATP, and the most abundant non-histone chromatin-binding protein, HMGB1, can determine whether cell death is immunogenic as they appear on the surface or in the microenvironment of dying cells.
Insights
Chemo- and radiotherapy success depends on immunogenic cell death, which signals immune cells to target cancer. Key proteins like calreticulin, ATP, and HMGB1 released by dying cells trigger this crucial anticancer immune response.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Chemo- and radiotherapy efficacy is linked to inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD).
- ICD involves specific cellular changes and the release of pro-immunogenic factors.
- This process is crucial for stimulating an anticancer immune response, potentially targeting therapy-resistant cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular factors that determine if cell death is immunogenic.
- To discuss the roles of calreticulin, ATP, and HMGB1 in ICD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on molecular mechanisms of ICD.
- Analysis of the role of specific proteins and molecules in immune cell stimulation.
Main Results:
- Specific surface modifications and factor release characterize ICD.
- Calreticulin, ATP, and HMGB1 are identified as key determinants of ICD.
- These factors stimulate antigen-presenting cells to initiate a tumor-specific immune response.
Conclusions:
- The molecular identity of factors released during cell death dictates its immunogenicity.
- Calreticulin, ATP, and HMGB1 play critical roles in ICD and subsequent anticancer immunity.
- Understanding these factors can enhance cancer therapeutic strategies.
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