A novel oncolytic peptide synergizing with immunotherapy

In a recent paper published in Nature, Yuan et al. described an acid-responsive membranolytic peptide that temporally separates lysosomes from later plasma membrane rupture, thereby converting oncolysis into immunogenic cell death. This elegant design permits systemic administration, elicits antigen-specific immunity, and sensitizes tumors to programmed death ligand 1 blockade with remarkably limited toxicity.