As another control, the immunological response induced by PLGA-ICG-based PTT of primary tumours (no R837) together with CTLA-4 blockade therapy could only inhibit the growth of secondary tumours in the early days, demonstrating the important role of the immune-adjuvant R837 in those nanoparticles to trigger strong immune responses. The gene discussed is CTLA4; the disease is neoplasm.