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Updated: Aug 19, 2025
In Vivo Immunogenicity Screening of Tumor-Derived Extracellular Vesicles by Flow Cytometry of Splenic T Cells
Published on: September 23, 2021
Research progress in inducing immunogenic cell death of tumor cells
Deqian Xie1, Qifei Wang1, Guangzhen Wu1
1Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
Abstract:
Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a regulated cell death (RCD) pathway. In response to physical and chemical signals, tumor cells activate specific signaling pathways that stimulate stress responses in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and expose damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which promote antitumor immune responses. As a result, the tumor microenvironment is altered, and many tumor cells are killed. The ICD response in tumor cells requires inducers. These inducers can be from different sources and contribute to the development of the ICD either indirectly or directly. The combination of ICD inducers with other tumor treatments further enhances the immune response in tumor cells, and more tumor cells are killed; however, it also produces side effects of varying severity. New induction methods based on nanotechnology improve the antitumor ability and significantly reduces side effects because they can target tumor cells precisely. In this review, we introduce the characteristics and mechanisms of ICD responses in tumor cells and the DAMPs associated with ICD responses, summarize the current methods of inducing ICD response in tumor cells in five distinct categories: chemical sources, physical sources, pathogenic sources, combination therapies, and innovative therapies. At the same time, we introduce the limitations of current ICD inducers and make a summary of the use of ICD responses in clinical trials. Finally, we provide an outlook on the future of ICD inducer development and provide some constructive suggestions.
Insights
Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a regulated cell death pathway that enhances antitumor immunity. Nanotechnology-based inducers show promise for improving ICD efficacy and reducing side effects in cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a regulated cell death (RCD) pathway crucial for initiating antitumor immune responses.
- Tumor cells undergoing ICD release damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), altering the tumor microenvironment and promoting immune cell activity.
- Current ICD inducers, while effective, can lead to significant side effects, necessitating the exploration of novel induction methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics and mechanisms of ICD and associated DAMPs in tumor cells.
- To categorize and summarize current methods for inducing ICD, including chemical, physical, pathogenic, combination, and innovative therapies.
- To discuss the limitations of existing ICD inducers and explore the potential of nanotechnology in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of immunogenic cell death, DAMPs, and various induction strategies.
- Categorization of ICD inducers into five distinct groups: chemical, physical, pathogenic, combination therapies, and innovative therapies.
- Analysis of nanotechnology-based approaches for targeted ICD induction and evaluation of their impact on efficacy and side effects.
Main Results:
- ICD involves specific signaling pathways and DAMPs that stimulate anti-tumor immunity.
- Nanotechnology-based ICD inducers demonstrate improved tumor targeting and reduced side effects compared to conventional methods.
- A summary of ICD inducers used in clinical trials highlights current limitations and future directions.
Conclusions:
- ICD is a vital RCD pathway with significant therapeutic potential in oncology.
- Nanotechnology offers a promising avenue for developing safer and more effective ICD inducers.
- Further research into novel ICD induction methods is crucial for advancing cancer immunotherapy.
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