Abstract

Tumor immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), has revolutionized the cancer field. However, the limited response of tumors to immunotherapy is a major obstacle. Tumor immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a death mode of tumor cells that can promote tumor immunity.

ICD can induce strong antitumor immune responses through the ectopic exposure of calreticulin on the plasma membrane surface and the release of the non-histone nuclear protein high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), ATP, and interferon (IFN), thus activating an adaptive immune response against dead cell-associated antigens and enhancing the therapeutic effect of tumor immunotherapy. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, photothermal therapy, magneto-thermodynamics therapy, nanopulse stimulation, and oncolytic virus therapy can all induce a strong antitumor immune response by ICD.

In addition, the application of nanotechnology can precisely target drug delivery and improve the efficacy of immunotherapy. Here we introduce the basic concepts and molecular mechanisms underlying the induction of ICD. Then, we summarize and discuss the progress in the application of nanotechnology in immunotherapy to promote ICD.

Finally, we attempt to define the challenges and future directions in this area to extend the benefits of ICD to a broader patient population.