Copper and Glutathione Work Together to Change Iridium-Based Light-Activated Nanoparticles, Enhancing Cancer Immunotherapy

Ir1@FA@MOFs demonstrate high tumor growth inhibition in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice.

• Tumor microenvironment-adaptive nanoparticles enable oxygen-independent photodynamic therapy (PDT).
• An engineered Ir(III) complex allows switching between oxygen-dependent and hypoxia-tolerant PDT modes.
• The nanoplatform depletes glutathione and generates reactive oxygen species under light irradiation.
• Mechanistic studies indicate that the nanoparticles induce various forms of cell death through mitochondrial damage.
• The treatment converts 'cold' tumors into immunogenic hotspots, enhancing immune response.

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