Cancer vaccine is well recognized as a novel but effective way for cancer immunotherapy. Especially, the role of dendritic cells (DCs) in antigen presentation properties is critical for the final performance of cancer vaccine. Herein, a lipid (Li) coated calcium carbonate (CC) vehicle
(Li/CC) was employed to load chlorin e6 (Ce6) to serve as a potential in situ vaccine (Li/CC-Ce6) for effective immunotherapy of colorectal cancer. It was suggested that the loaded Ce6 within Li/CCCe6 can be activated under laser irradiation. The photodynamic therapy (PDT) of Ce6 was
expected to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) to cause cell death and expose tumor-associated antigen (TAA). In addition, the produced ROS can mimic the inflammatory responses for the recruitment of DC to initiate strong immune response cascade. Moreover, the recruitment of DC can recognize
the exposed TAA to stimulate DC for effective vaccination in situ. Results from in vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated the strong ability of this platform to enhance DC vaccination, resulting in promising growth inhibition of both primary and distant tumors.