Spatiotemporal‐Controlled NIR‐II Immune Agonist Sensitizes Cancer Immunotherapy

Abstract

AbstractThe integration of nanomedicine and immunotherapy has presented a promising opportunity for the treatment of cancer and diverse diseases. However, achieving spatiotemporal controllable immunotherapy with excellent efficacy and safety performances remains a significant challenge. This study develops a biodegradable near‐infrared II (NIR‐II) photothermal response polymer nanoparticle (PTEQ) system. This platform exhibits intrinsic immunostimulatory properties while concurrently delivering siRNA for Programmed Death‐Ligand 1 (siPD‐L1), leveraging enhanced immune responses and immune checkpoint blockade for safe and effective cancer therapy. In the CT26 tumor‐bearing mouse model, PTEQ, as an immune stimulant, significantly boosts the infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). The PTEQ/siPD‐L1+laser group not only initiates NIR‐II photothermal therapy but also promotes the activation and infiltration of T cells, M1 macrophage polarization, and maturation of dendritic cells in the TME, resulting in the complete elimination of tumors in 7/10 cases, achieving a 100% survival rate. In another in vivo vaccine experiment, all tumors on the right side are completely eliminated in the PTEQ/siPD‐L1+laser group, reaching a 100% tumor eradication rate. These findings underscore the potential of this strategy to overcome the current immunotherapeutic limitations and achieve immune therapy normalization.