Immune system activation via pro-immunogenic cell death

Immune system activation via pro-immunogenic cell death (ICD) refers to the process by which certain forms of regulated cell death stimulate an adaptive immune response. ICD is characterized by the release or exposure of specific molecules that act as danger signals—known as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs)—which alert and activate antigen-presenting cells, particularly dendritic cells. Key DAMPs include ATP, HMGB1, calreticulin, and HSP70/90. ICD can be induced by chemotherapeutics, radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and some viral infections. The ability to trigger ICD is being harnessed in cancer immunotherapy to promote anti-tumor immunity.

Other names

ICDImmunogenic cell death pathway

ICD inducers trigger endoplasmic reticulum stress, reactive oxygen species production, and the release of DAMPs (ATP, HMGB1, calreticulin, HSP70/90) which activate dendritic cells and initiate an adaptive immune response.