Fig. 1.

Role of nanoparticles in activation of immune system towards cancer cells. a Encapsulation of tumor antigen and adjuvant into nanoparticle, as well as adding targeting ligand on the surface of nanoparticle. b Activation of DC through binding of nanoparticles and release of cargo, followed by presenting of tumor antigens to T cells, leading to activation of T cell. c T cell response towards cancer cells by releasing Perforin-1, granzyme B and INF-γ, leading to cancer cell death and release of tumor antigens in tumor microenvironment, assisting DC stimulation