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Archive > Volume 32 Issue 11 > 2025,32(11):1128-1135. DOI:10.3872/j.issn.1007-385X.2025.11.004 Prev Next
Basic Research
Antigen-capturing ICG-loaded nanomicelles induce in situ tumor vaccine effects through targeting lymph nodes
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Abstract:
[Abstract] Objective: To prepare and characterize indocyanine green (ICG)-loaded F127 nanomicelles (F127-ICG) and explore their anti-tumor effects through their photothermal effect, antigen-capturing capability, and lymph node (LN)-targeting properties. Methods: F127-ICG was prepared using the thin-film hydration method. The particle size and Zeta potential were measured using a Malvern particle size analyzer. The absorption and fluorescence spectra were determined using ultraviolet-visible and fluorescence spectrophotometry, respectively. The antigen-capturing capability of F127-ICG was analyzed by comparing the basic properties and protein content changes of F127 nanomicelles before and after incubation with tumor cell lysates. The photothermal cytotoxicity of F127-ICG against breast cancer cells (4T1) was evaluated using a Calcein-AM/PI double-staining assay. Dye-labeled F127 nanomicelles were subcutaneously injected into mice to establish a lymphatic drainage model. The LN targeting ability of F127 nanomicelles was detected using in vivo small animal imaging, and the accumulation and penetration of F127 nanomicelles in the inguinal and axillary lymph nodes of mice were detected by ex vivo organ imaging. A bilateral breast cancer model was established on the back of the mouse, and F127-ICG was injected intratumorally for photothermal therapy (PTT). Meanwhile, the growth of the contralateral tumor was monitored. Results: The F127-ICG nanomicelles were successfully prepared, with a mean particle size of (19.41 ± 0.49) nm and an average Zeta potential of –(2.78 ± 0.36) mV. After co-incubation of F127-ICG with tumor antigens, the particle size, Zeta potential negativity, and protein content all increased (P < 0.05). The results of the Calcein-AM/PI double staining assay revealed that F127-ICG could effectively exert a photothermal effect to mediate the killing of 4T1 cells. In vivo imaging results revealed that F127 nanomicelles can effectively target LN. In animal experiments, the contralateral tumor volume in the F127-ICG + Laser group was smaller than that in the PBS and F127-ICG groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: F127-ICG-mediated photothermal effects can effectively ablate primary tumors and capture released tumor-specific antigens and then migrate to local LN, which promotes anti tumor immune response, inhibits distant tumor growth, and enhances in situ vaccine efficacy.
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