An Overview on Immunogenic Cell Death in Cancer Biology and Therapy

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a modality of regulated cell death that is sufficient to promote an adaptive immune response against antigens of the dying cell in an immunocompetent host. An important characteristic of ICD is the release and exposure of damage-associated molecular patterns, which are potent endogenous immune adjuvants. As the induction of ICD can be achieved with conventional cytotoxic agents, it represents a potential approach for the immunotherapy of cancer. Here, different aspects of ICD in cancer biology and treatment are reviewed.

Automated summary

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a regulated form of cell death that promotes an adaptive immune response to dying cell antigens. The release and exposure of damage-associated molecular patterns during ICD act as potent immune adjuvants. ICD induced by conventional cytotoxic agents shows promise as a potential approach for cancer immunotherapy.