Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

Inducing Targeted Mild Hyperthermia in Murine Tumor Models through Photothermal Conversion of Near-infrared Light by Intratumoral Gold Nanorods
09:23

Inducing Targeted Mild Hyperthermia in Murine Tumor Models through Photothermal Conversion of Near-infrared Light by Intratumoral Gold Nanorods

Published on: October 10, 2025

Activatable Polymeric STING Agonist-Gold Nanorod Conjugate Driving STING Signaling and Immunogenic Activation in

Yuxi Gao1,2, Hanqin Zhao1,3, Jiangai Long1,3

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Polymer Science and Technology, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, China.

Nano Letters
|May 20, 2026
PubMed

Insights

This study introduces a novel gold nanorod conjugate that activates the STING pathway for cancer immunotherapy. Laser-triggered photothermal therapy enhances immune response and tumor regression with minimal toxicity.

Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology
  • Nanomedicine
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is crucial for antitumor immunity.
  • Current STING pathway activation strategies face challenges in immune signaling coordination and cancer-immunity cycle engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop an activatable polymeric STING agonist-gold nanorod conjugate (GNR-PEI-M).
  • To enhance STING signaling and immunogenic activation using a laser-controlled photothermal process.
  • To couple antigen release with molecular immune stimulation for improved cancer immunotherapy.

Main Methods:

  • Conjugation of a polymeric STING agonist with gold nanorods (GNR-PEI-M).
  • Application of near-infrared (NIR) irradiation for photothermal activation.
  • Proteomic analysis to assess immune response modulation.

Main Results:

  • NIR irradiation induced localized hyperthermia and immunogenic cell death, releasing tumor antigens.
  • Enhanced STING signaling, dendritic cell maturation, and type I interferon production were observed.
  • Achieved 96.1% tumor regression in MC38 models with no systemic toxicity.

Conclusions:

  • The GNR-PEI-M nanoplatform precisely controls photothermal excitation and polymeric immune activation.
  • This approach offers an effective and well-tolerated strategy for cancer immunotherapy.
  • The study highlights a promising nanoplatform for synergistic cancer treatment.
Keywords:
immunogenic cell deathphotothermal therapypolymeric STING agonistproteomic analysistumor immunotherapy

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