Fig. 6. Proposed scheme of dual-mode ROS-driven tumor immunotherapy.

(A) AUNPs are intratumorally injected into the tumor of a mouse. Upon high-power NIR irradiation, AUNPs induce efficient ICD, reduce immunosuppressive cells, and capture TAAs. Subsequently, TAA-loaded AUNPs are specifically taken up by dendritic cells in DLNs. Upon low-power NIR irradiation, AUNPs can produce a low level of ROS to enhance dendritic cell function. This process promotes the expansion of cytotoxic CD8⁺ T cells and effectively inhibits the growth of residual tumors and distant tumor after PDT. (B) Mechanism underlying the NIR light–driven dendritic cell activation in DLN.