After photothermal ablation of the tumours by BP NSs, a dramatic increase in murine monocytes (CD45+CD11b+), the direct precursors of macrophages and dendritic cells, within the tumours was observed compared to that in the control group, suggesting that more monocytes may be recruited to the ablated tumour tissues for phagocytosis and presentation of tumour-specific antigens to initiate and regulate immune responses (Fig. 4c)58. The gene discussed is ITGAM; the disease is neoplasm.