A Porphyrin Nanomaterial for Photoimmunotherapy for Treatment of Melanoma

The incidence of melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, has been on the rise in recent years. In addition, it has a high mortality rate due to its high aggressiveness. Phototherapy, as a promising treatment method, can effectively kill tumor cells, but it is incapable of the treatment of tumor metastasis. Herein, a nanomaterial (TPC@OVA NPs) is developed for phototherapy in conjunction with immunotherapy against melanoma. TPC, as a derivative of porphyrin, is used as a photosensitizer with excellent biosafety and photostability. After assembly with ovalbumin (OVA), TPC@OVA NPs with vaccine properties is formed, which can not only ablate the primary tumor but also induce immunogenic cell death (ICD). In addition, DC cells can be stimulated to mature by exogenous OVA, enhancing the immune response against tumors by further activating T lymphocytes. Combined with immune checkpoint inhibitor aPD-1, the immune microenvironment is reshaped, and the increased activity of immunotherapy are validated. This work highlights the potential of combining phototherapy and immunotherapy against metastasis.