The strategy of synergistic photodynamic therapy with innate immune activation for enhanced tumor eradication

In recent years, immunotherapy has benefited many advanced cancer patients, but less than 15% due to tumor heterogeneity and low immunogenicity. Innate immunity activation strategies are gaining attention. A new strategy uses amphiphilic micelle PEG-PLA to carry PpIX and RRx-001. PpIX induces immunogenic cell death and enhances T cell infiltration via photodynamic therapy, while RRx-001 activates innate immunity by down-regulating CD47 on tumor cells. This strategy effectively inhibits the growth and metastasis of aggressive malignant melanoma, offering a new idea for immunotherapy applications.