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Bioorthogonally Activatable Photosensitizer for NIR Fluorescence Imaging-Guided Highly Selective Elimination of Senescent Tumor Cells and Chemotherapy Enhancement

  • 0School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
Bioconjugate Chemistry +

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May 7, 2025

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May 7, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed a novel photosensitizer that targets and eliminates chemotherapy-induced senescent cells. This approach uses near-infrared fluorescence imaging to guide photodynamic therapy, improving cancer treatment outcomes and reducing tumor growth.

Area Of Science

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Cancer Research
  • Photodynamic Therapy

Background

  • Chemotherapy can induce cellular senescence, releasing factors that promote tumor growth and metastasis.
  • Targeting senescent cells is crucial for overcoming chemotherapy resistance and improving treatment efficacy.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To develop a photosensitizer for selective identification and ablation of senescent cells.
  • To enable fluorescence imaging-guided photodynamic therapy (PDT) for precise cancer treatment.

Main Methods

  • Developed a β-galactosidase (β-Gal)-activated photosensitizer (CyGF-DBCO-T) for in situ labeling and ablation of senescent cells.
  • Utilized a bioorthogonal click reaction to generate the photosensitizer within senescent cells.
  • Encapsulated probes in biotinylated liposomes to enhance tumor targeting and in vivo circulation.

Main Results

  • The photosensitizer selectively labeled and enabled precise PDT of senescent cells in a chemotherapy-induced senescence model.
  • Liposomal encapsulation improved probe delivery, enabling intense fluorescence imaging of tumor senescence.
  • The dual-module strategy effectively alleviated chemotherapy resistance and suppressed tumor growth in mice.

Conclusions

  • The developed photosensitizer offers a promising strategy for fluorescence imaging-guided PDT of senescent tumor cells.
  • This approach effectively overcomes chemotherapy resistance and inhibits tumor progression.
  • Selective ablation of senescent cells represents a key advancement in cancer therapy.