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Updated: Dec 25, 2025

In Vivo Immunogenicity Screening of Tumor-Derived Extracellular Vesicles by Flow Cytometry of Splenic T Cells
Published on: September 23, 2021
Immunogenic Cell Death Driven by Radiation-Impact on the Tumor Microenvironment
Takahiro Yamazaki1, Claire Vanpouille-Box1,2, Sandra Demaria1,2
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
Immunogenic cell death (ICD) triggers adaptive immunity by releasing damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Radiation therapy (RT) induces ICD, altering the tumor microenvironment to promote anti-cancer immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a form of cell death that stimulates adaptive immunity.
- Dying cells release damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that act as adjuvant-like signals.
- These signals recruit and mature antigen-presenting cells, promoting T cell responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the mechanisms by which radiation therapy (RT)-induced ICD affects the tumor microenvironment.
- To explore how DAMPs released from RT-treated cancer cells modulate anti-tumor immunity.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on ICD, DAMPs, and radiation therapy.
- Analysis of the molecular and cellular events occurring in the tumor microenvironment post-RT.
Main Results:
- RT is a potent inducer of ICD when specific doses and fractionation schedules are used.
- DAMPs released by RT-driven ICD reprogram the tumor microenvironment.
- This reprogramming enhances the recruitment and activation of immune cells, promoting anti-tumor immunity.
Conclusions:
- RT-induced ICD plays a critical role in initiating anti-cancer adaptive immunity.
- Understanding these mechanisms can inform the development of novel cancer therapies.
- Targeting DAMPs and the tumor microenvironment could enhance the efficacy of radiation therapy.
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