Immune System Activation via Immunogenic Cell Death

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a regulated form of cell death that activates the immune system, particularly by stimulating both innate and adaptive immune responses against dying cells. Unlike non-immunogenic forms of apoptosis, ICD leads to the release or exposure of specific molecules known as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which serve as signals to alert and activate antigen-presenting cells. Key DAMPs include calreticulin, ATP, HMGB1, and HSP70/HSP90. ICD is induced by certain chemotherapeutic agents, radiotherapy, and some biological stressors. Harnessing ICD has significant potential in cancer therapy by converting “cold” tumors into “hot” tumors responsive to immunotherapy and potentially for vaccine development against tumors due to its ability to induce robust systemic anti-tumor immunity when properly activated.

Induction of immunogenic cell death leading to DAMP release and immune cell activation.