Drug-loaded indocyanine green J-aggregates activate metalloimmunotherapy for sustained photothermal therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma
Kaiming He, Desheng Chen, Dongzi Zhu, Wenjie Zheng, Lei Lyu, Mingshen Zhang, Zeping Chen, Xiaowen Wang, Yongwei Hu, Binsheng Fu
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a significant therapeutic challenge, driving the need for novel treatment strategies. This study investigates the combination of photothermal therapy (PTT) and metalloimmunotherapy for HCC treatment using Co + diABZI@J-dICG nanoparticles. Indocyanine green (ICG), an FDA-approved near-infrared (NIR) dye, is dimerized into J-aggregates to enhance PTT by improving light absorption and photothermal efficiency. The cGAS-STING pathway, a key mediator of innate immunity, is activated by the STING agonist diABZI, while cobalt ions (Co2+) further enhance immune responses. The Co + diABZI@J-dICG nanoparticles take advantage of ICG’s hepatotropic properties for sustained tumor accumulation and immune activation, resulting in significant tumor growth inhibition and reduced HCC recurrence following hepatectomy.