A Versatile 980 nm Absorbing Aggregation‐Induced Emission Luminogen for NIR‐II Imaging‐Guided Synergistic Photo‐Immunotherapy Against Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

Abstract

To address urgent tasks in the treatment of advanced deep‐seated tumors, a 980 nm absorbing agent with aggregation‐induced emission tendency, namely TPE‐BT‐BBTD, which simultaneously possesses the longest absorption wavelength among all the reported AIE molecules is developed. The functionality of deep near‐infrared‐II fluorescence imaging (NIR‐II FLI) and outstanding photothermal performance is well‐tailored for advanced pancreatic cancer treatment. With the covalent attachment of the programmed death‐ligand 1 (αPD‐L1) antibody, αPD‐L1@TPE‐BT‐BBTD nanoparticles show precise tumor targeting and excellent immunosuppression reversal ability. Following local photothermal therapy, immunogenic tumor vaccination is induced to trigger the infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in tumors. With the decreased FoxP3+ Treg cells and M2‐like macrophages that are reversed by αPD‐L1, CTLs activity is further enhanced with more production of granzyme B (GrB), which much accurately leads to tumor apoptosis and effectively suppressed spontaneous metastases. Overall, αPD‐L1@TPE‐BT‐BBTD nanoparticles based NIR‐II FLI‐mediated photo‐immunotherapy is able to significantly improve the control of primary tumor and metastasis in the treatment of advanced deep‐seated tumors.

Noncancerous disease-targeting AIEgens

“…However, AIEgens possess multiple properties that confer them with great advantages over traditional probes and therapeutic agents, these properties allow not only imaging but also endow them with the potential for applications in therapeutic modalities. They can be used as drug delivery platforms 225 for photothermal therapy (PTT), 226,227 photodynamic therapy (PDT), 228 radiotherapy (RT), 229 sonodynamic therapy (SDT), 230 immunotherapy, 231 and synergistic therapy. 232–234 Accordingly, AIEgens are regarded as “all-in-one athletes” for disease detection, diagnosis, bioimaging, and therapeutics.…”

Effective design of organic luminogens for near-infrared-II fluorescence imaging and photo-mediated therapy

“…Following CTL activity, granzyme B production was enhanced, thus leading to tumor apoptosis and efficient metastases suppression. 84…”

AIEgen-Based Nanomaterials for Bacterial Imaging and Antimicrobial Applications: Recent Advances and Perspectives

“…Phototherapy, as a non-invasive technique with high spatial and temporal accuracy, attracted wide attention in the field of antibacterials [ 49 ]. AIE-active photosensitizers can not only kill pathogens but also act as immune effector molecules to initiate and regulate the host’s immune defence system [ 50 , 51 , 52 ]. Therefore, AIEgens can effectively recognize and inhibit bacterial growth and reduce bacterial drug resistance under imaging guidance [ 53 ].…”