More than just DNA damage: Pt(ΙΙ)-NHC complexes derived from 4,5-diarylimidazoles augment immunogenic cell death

Platinum-based drugs are a mainstay in chemotherapy, with traditional forms exerting their work directly on DNA. In recent years, it has been observed that platinum complexes had the potential to induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) and effectively trigger antitumor immune responses. Herein, to obtain novel platinum complexes with chemo-immunological properties, a series of Pt(ΙΙ)-N-heterocyclic carbene (Pt(ΙΙ)-NHC) complexes derived from 4,5-diarylimidazoles were synthesized. Among them, the dominant complex 3f was proved to exhibit better anti-liver cancer capacity compared to cisplatin and oxaliplatin. Complex 3f showed the ability to cause DNA damage by binding to DNA. In addition, it triggered intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, affected the function of mitochondria, and blocked cells in G0/G1 phase, ultimately induced apoptosis in liver cancer cells. Furthermore, complex 3f activated endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) which promoted the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), induced ICD and dendritic cells (DCs) maturation. Interestingly, complex 3f also upregulated PD-L1, consequently converted "cold tumors" into "hot tumors". Overall, complex 3f had the potential to be regarded as a promising chemoimmunotherapy for the treatment of liver cancer. [Display omitted] •Pt(ΙΙ)-NHC complexes derived from 4,5-diarylimidazoles were synthesized.•3f was proved to exhibit better anti-liver cancer capacity compared to cisplatin and oxaliplatin.•3f showed the ability to cause DNA damage by binding to DNA.•3f could trigger intracellular ROS generation and affect the function of mitochondria.•3f could promote the release of DAMPs and induce ICD.