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Updated: Nov 5, 2025
Near Infrared Photoimmunotherapy for Mouse Models of Pleural Dissemination
Published on: February 9, 2021
NIR responsive tumor vaccine in situ for photothermal ablation and chemotherapy to trigger robust antitumor immune
Lirong Zhang1, Jingjing Zhang2, Lixia Xu2
1Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People's Republic of China.
Background:
Therapeutic tumor vaccine (TTV) that induces tumor-specific immunity has enormous potentials in tumor treatment, but high heterogeneity and poor immunogenicity of tumor seriously impair its clinical efficacy. Herein, a novel NIR responsive tumor vaccine in situ (HA-PDA@IQ/DOX HG) was prepared by integrating hyaluronic acid functionalized polydopamine nanoparticles (HA-PDA NPs) with immune adjuvants (Imiquimod, IQ) and doxorubicin (DOX) into thermal-sensitive hydrogel.
Results:
HA-PDA@IQ NPs with high photothermal conversion efficiency (41.2%) and T1-relaxation efficiency were using HA as stabilizer by the one-pot oxidative polymerization. Then, HA-PDA@IQ loaded DOX via π-π stacking and mixed with thermal-sensitive hydrogel to form the HA-PDA@IQ/DOX HG. The hydrogel-confined delivery mode endowed HA-PDA@IQ/DOX NPs with multiple photothermal ablation performance once injection upon NIR irradiation due to the prolonged retention in tumor site. More importantly, this mode enabled HA-PDA@IQ/DOX NPs to promote the DC maturation, memory T cells in lymphatic node as well as cytotoxic T lymphocytes in spleen.
Conclusion:
Taken together, the HA-PDA@IQ/DOX HG could be served as a theranostic tumor vaccine for complete photothermal ablation to trigger robust antitumor immune responses.
Insights
This study introduces a novel near-infrared responsive tumor vaccine that combines photothermal ablation with immune stimulation. This innovative therapeutic tumor vaccine (TTV) effectively triggers robust antitumor immune responses for enhanced cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Immunology
Background:
- Tumor heterogeneity and poor immunogenicity limit therapeutic tumor vaccine (TTV) efficacy.
- Developing novel strategies is crucial for enhancing TTVs in cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a novel near-infrared (NIR) responsive tumor vaccine in situ.
- To improve TTV efficacy through combined photothermal ablation and immune stimulation.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized hyaluronic acid-functionalized polydopamine nanoparticles (HA-PDA NPs) with immune adjuvants (Imiquimod, IQ) and doxorubicin (DOX).
- Encapsulated HA-PDA@IQ/DOX nanoparticles within a thermal-sensitive hydrogel (HG).
- Utilized NIR irradiation for photothermal ablation and drug release.
Main Results:
- HA-PDA@IQ NPs exhibited high photothermal conversion efficiency (41.2%) and T1-relaxation efficiency.
- The hydrogel-confined delivery enhanced nanoparticle retention and photothermal ablation.
- The vaccine promoted dendritic cell maturation, memory T cells, and cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
Conclusions:
- The developed HA-PDA@IQ/DOX HG acts as a theranostic tumor vaccine.
- It enables complete photothermal ablation and triggers potent antitumor immune responses.
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