Chemoimmunotherapy with doxorubicin and caffeine combination enhanced ICD induction and T-cell infiltration in B16F10 melanoma tumors

Immunogenic cell death genes in single-cell and transcriptome analyses perspectives from a prognostic model of cervical cancer

Background

The role of immunogenic cell death (ICD) in cervical cancer (CESC) is not well understood. This study sought to investigate the significance of ICD in CESC and to establish an ICDRs prognostic model to improve immunotherapy efficacy for patients with cervical cancer.

Methods

ICD-associated genes were screened at the single-cell and transcriptome levels based on AddModuleScore, single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and weighted gene co-expression network (WGCNA) analysis. Immunogenic cell death-related features (ICDRs) were constructed using multiple machine algorithms, and ICDRs were evaluated in training and validation sets to provide quantitative tools for predicting prognosis in clinical practice. Predictive models were used to risk subgroups for response to immunotherapy, as well as drug sensitivity. Finally, the expression of ICD-related genes was verified by RT-qPCR.

Results

Through an integrated analysis of single-cell data, transcriptomic profiling, and computational modeling, seven ICD-related genes were identified as highly prognostic for CESC patients. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that low-risk patients had significantly better overall survival compared to high-risk patients, confirming the model as an independent prognostic tool. Assessments of the tumor microenvironment (TME), mutation characteristics, and drug sensitivity within ICDRs risk subgroups indicated a stronger immunotherapy response in the low-risk group.

Immunogenic cell death: A new strategy to enhancing cancer immunotherapy

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a distinct type of stress-induced regulated cell death that can lead to adaptive immune responses and the establishment of immunological memory. ICD exhibits both similarities and differences when compared to apoptosis and other non-apoptotic forms of regulated cell death (RCD). The interplay between ICD-mediated immunosurveillance against cancer and the ability of cancer cells to evade ICD influences the host-tumor immunological interaction. Consequently, the restoration of ICD and the development of effective strategies to induce ICD have emerged as crucial considerations in the treatment of cancer within the context of immunotherapy. To enhance comprehension of ICD in the setting of cancer, this paper examines the interconnected responsive pathways associated with ICD, the corresponding biomarkers indicative of ICD, and the mechanisms through which tumors subvert ICD. Additionally, this review explores strategies for reinstating ICD and the therapeutic potential of harnessing ICD in cancer immunotherapy.

Nanocarrier-Mediated Immunogenic Cell Death for Melanoma Treatment

Melanoma, a highly aggressive skin tumor, exhibits notable features including heterogeneity, a high mutational load, and innate immune escape. Despite advancements in melanoma treatment, current immunotherapies fail to fully exploit the immune system's maximum potential. Activating immunogenic cell death (ICD) holds promise in enhancing tumor cell immunogenicity, stimulating immune amplification response, improving drug sensitivity, and eliminating tumors. Nanotechnology-enabled ICD has emerged as a compelling therapeutic strategy for augmenting cancer immunotherapy. Nanoparticles possess versatile attributes, such as prolonged blood circulation, stability, and tumor-targeting capabilities, rendering them ideal for drug delivery. In this review, we elucidate the mechanisms underlying ICD induction and associated therapeutic strategies. Additionally, we provide a concise overview of the immune stress response associated with ICD and explore the potential synergistic benefits of combining ICD induction methods with the utilization of nanocarriers.