Immunogenic Cell Death Induced by Selective Intracellular Vaporization in vitro

Recent advances in targeting cancer therapy with stimuli responsive materials provide the opportunity to reduce systemic toxicities. Targeting cancer therapy employing ultrasound with phase-change nano-droplets (PCNDs) potentially has several distinct advantages over current cancer therapeutic modalities. PCND is a liquid perfluorocarbon nanoparticle that its liquid phase is transformable to gas phase upon ultrasound exposure. The vaporization phenomenon of PCND can selectively treat cancers mechanically by conjugating active targeting moiety to it. Here, we present that adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), which are known as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), were released from a cultured cancer cell line by selective intracellular vaporization of PCNDs. The results indicate that not only destruction of cancer cells by intracellular vaporization but also anti-cancer immune response can be expected. The activated immune system can potentially promote systemic anti-cancer effect in vivo. The in vitro DAMPs release motivate further research toward the in vivo investigation.