Near-Infrared-Light Remote-Controlled Activation of Cancer Immunotherapy Using Photothermal Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles

Remote control of the therapeutic process is an ideal strategy for maximizing efficacy and avoiding side effects, especially for cancer immunotherapy. Herein, a conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs)-mediated optogenetic system for in situ activation of immunotherapy under near-infrared laser irradiation is reported. This system is composed of photothermal CPNs and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) plasmid driven by heat shock promoter HSP70. The photothermally responsive CPNs serve as a photo-heat nanotransducer to trigger the gene transcription of IFN-gamma cytokine. The secreted IFN-gamma from cancer cells can sufficiently elicit surrounding tumor-associated macrophages activation through IFN-gamma-JAK-STAT1 transcription-factor signaling pathway and finally induce cancer cell killing by immunotherapy. Therefore, this synergetic optogenetic system provides a promising approach to remotely control the process of cancer immunotherapy.

Automated summary

Remote control of cancer immunotherapy process using a conjugated polymer nanoparticles-mediated optogenetic system has been proposed. By triggering gene transcription of IFN-gamma cytokine under near-infrared laser irradiation, this system can elicit immune response against cancer cells. The synergetic optogenetic system provides a promising approach for cancer immunotherapy with minimized side effects and enhanced efficacy.