Purpose. To overcome the insufficiency of conventional
photodynamic therapy (
PDT) for treating metastatic
melanoma, the combination of smart nanoparticles and
PDT with
immunotherapy was used to achieve a higher efficiency by accumulating more
photosensitizers in
tumor areas and triggering stronger immune responses against
tumors after
PDT.Methods. In this study, we designed a nanoliposome co-encapsulation of
chlorin E6 (Ce6) and
SB-3CT to realize significant antitumoral proliferation and
metastasis efficacy after
laser irradiation in A375 cells. The morphology, size distribution, and loading efficiency of Ce6-SB3CT@
Liposome (Lip-SC) were characterized. The
reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and cytotoxicity were evaluated in A375 cells, and the mechanisms of natural killer (NK) cell-mediated killing were assessed.Results. Lip-SC showed good stability and was well-dispersed with a diameter of approximately 140 nm in
phosphate-buffered saline. The nanoliposomes could accumulate in
tumor areas and induce apoptosis in
cancer cells upon 660 nm light irradiation, which could trigger an immune response and induce the expression of NK group 2 member D (NKG2D)
ligands. The subsequently released
SB-3CT could further activate NK cells effectively and strengthen the immune system by inhibiting the shedding of soluble NKG2D
ligands.Discussion. Taken together, the synergistic effects of
SB-3CT on nanoliposomes for Ce6-mediated
PDT were analyzed in detail to provide a new platform for future anti-
melanoma treatment.