CD133-positive cancer stem-like cells ablated by gold nanorod-mediated near-infrared laser treatment

CD133 has recently been considered as a common cancer stem-like cell (CSC) marker for many tumor types. Selectively eradication of CSCs is a potential therapeutic approach to diminish tumor recurrence. In order to specifically target CSCs, gold nanorods (GNRs) were linked with anti-CD133 monoclonal antibody (mAb) for this study. Photothermal ablation of CSCs was conducted after GNRs converting near-infrared (NIR) laser light into heat. For the photothermolysis studies, CD133⁺ and CD133^- cells mixed with various ratios were challenged with GNRs conjugated with anti-CD133 monoclonal antibody and then irradiated with NIR laser beam. Results revealed CD133⁺ cells were selectively targeted and eradicated, while CD133^- cells remained viable. Our studies demonstrated that GNR functionalized with anti-CD133 mAb has the potential to be utilized as a thermal-coupling agent to effectively target and destroy CSCs.