1
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Lin J, Wu Y, Liu G, Cui R, Xu Y. Advances of ultrasound in tumor immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 134:112233. [PMID: 38735256 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has become a revolutionary method for treating tumors, offering new hope to cancer patients worldwide. Immunotherapy strategies such as checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, and cancer vaccines have shown significant potential in clinical trials. Despite the promising results, there are still limitations that impede the overall effectiveness of immunotherapy; the response to immunotherapy is uneven, the response rate of patients is still low, and systemic immune toxicity accompanied with tumor cell immune evasion is common. Ultrasound technology has evolved rapidly in recent years and has become a significant player in tumor immunotherapy. The introductions of high intensity focused ultrasound and ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles have opened doors for new therapeutic strategies in the fight against tumor. This paper explores the revolutionary advancements of ultrasound combined with immunotherapy in this particular field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lin
- Department of Ultrasound, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine-Zhuhai Hospital, Zhuhai, PR China.
| | - Yuwei Wu
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, PR China
| | - Guangde Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine-Zhuhai Hospital, Zhuhai, PR China
| | - Rui Cui
- Department of Ultrasonography, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, PR China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, PR China
| | - Youhua Xu
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, PR China; Macau University of Science and Technology Zhuhai MUST Science and Technology Research Institute, Hengqin, Zhuhai, PR China.
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2
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Lang X, Wang X, Han M, Guo Y. Nanoparticle-Mediated Synergistic Chemoimmunotherapy for Cancer Treatment. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:4533-4568. [PMID: 38799699 PMCID: PMC11127654 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s455213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Until now, there has been a lack of effective strategies for cancer treatment. Immunotherapy has high potential in treating several cancers but its efficacy is limited as a monotherapy. Chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) holds promise to be widely used in cancer treatment. Therefore, identifying their involvement and potential synergy in CIT approaches is decisive. Nano-based drug delivery systems (NDDSs) are ideal delivery systems because they can simultaneously target immune cells and cancer cells, promoting drug accumulation, and reducing the toxicity of the drug. In this review, we first introduce five current immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint blocking (ICB), adoptive cell transfer therapy (ACT), cancer vaccines, oncolytic virus therapy (OVT) and cytokine therapy. Subsequently, the immunomodulatory effects of chemotherapy by inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD), promoting tumor killer cell infiltration, down-regulating immunosuppressive cells, and inhibiting immune checkpoints have been described. Finally, the NDDSs-mediated collaborative drug delivery systems have been introduced in detail, and the development of NDDSs-mediated CIT nanoparticles has been prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Lang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangtao Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meihua Han
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yifei Guo
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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3
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Kurosaki T, Nakamura H, Sasaki H, Kodama Y. Suitable Promoter for DNA Vaccination Using a pDNA Ternary Complex. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:679. [PMID: 38794341 PMCID: PMC11125067 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the effect of several promoters on the transfection activity and immune-induction efficiency of a plasmid DNA (pDNA)/polyethylenimine/γ-polyglutamic acid complex (pDNA ternary complex). Model pDNAs encoding firefly luciferase (Luc) were constructed with several promoters, such as simian virus 40 (SV40), eukaryotic elongation factor 1 alpha (EF1), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and chicken beta actin hybrid (CBh) (pSV40-Luc, pEF1-Luc, pCMV-Luc, and pCBh-Luc, respectively). Four types of pDNA ternary complexes, each with approximately 145-nm particle size and -30-mV ζ-potential, were stably constructed. The pDNA ternary complex containing pSV40-Luc showed low gene expression, but the other complexes containing pEF1-Luc, pCMV-Luc, and pCBh-Luc showed high gene expression in DC2.4 cells and spleen after intravenous administration. After immunization using various pDNA encoding ovalbumin (OVA) such as pEF1-OVA, pCMV-OVA, and pCBh-OVA, only the pDNA ternary complex containing pCBh-OVA showed significant anti-OVA immunoglobulin G (IgG) induction. In conclusion, our results showed that the CBh promoter is potentially suitable for use in pDNA ternary complex-based DNA vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoaki Kurosaki
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8588, Japan; (T.K.)
| | - Hiroki Nakamura
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8588, Japan; (T.K.)
| | - Hitoshi Sasaki
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan;
| | - Yukinobu Kodama
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
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4
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Shojaeian A, Naeimi Torshizi SR, Parsapasand MS, Amjad ZS, Khezrian A, Alibakhshi A, Yun F, Baghaei K, Amini R, Pecic S. Harnessing exosomes in theranostic applications: advancements and insights in gastrointestinal cancer research. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:162. [PMID: 38743146 PMCID: PMC11093943 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01024-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles (30-150 nm) that are formed by endocytosis containing complex RNA as well as protein structures and are vital in intercellular communication and can be used in gene therapy and drug delivery. According to the cell sources of origin and the environmental conditions they are exposed to, these nanovesicles are very heterogeneous and dynamic in terms of content (cargo), size and membrane composition. Exosomes are released under physiological and pathological conditions and influence the pathogenesis of cancers through various mechanisms, including angiogenesis, metastasis, immune dysregulation, drug resistance, and tumor growth/development. Gastrointestinal cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer in humans and can involve organs e.g., the esophagus and stomach, or others such as the liver, pancreas, small intestine, and colon. Early diagnosis is very important in this field because the overall survival of patients is low due to diagnosis in late stages and recurrence. Also, various therapeutic strategies have failed and there is an unmet need for the new therapeutic agents. Exosomes can become promising candidates in gastrointestinal cancers as biomarkers and therapeutic agents due to their lower immunity and passing the main physiological barriers. In this work, we provide a general overview of exosomes, their biogenesis and biological functions. In addition, we discuss the potential of exosomes to serve as biomarkers, agents in cancer treatment, drug delivery systems, and effective vaccines in immunotherapy, with an emphasis on gastrointestinal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Shojaeian
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - S R Naeimi Torshizi
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mahsa Sadat Parsapasand
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Zahra Sobhi Amjad
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Ali Khezrian
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Abbas Alibakhshi
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Faye Yun
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Fullerton, USA
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Razieh Amini
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Stevan Pecic
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Fullerton, USA.
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5
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Song J, Zhang Y, Zhou C, Zhan J, Cheng X, Huang H, Mao S, Zong Z. The dawn of a new Era: mRNA vaccines in colorectal cancer immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:112037. [PMID: 38599100 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a typical cancer that accounts for 10% of all new cancer cases annually and nearly 10% of all cancer deaths. Despite significant progress in current classical interventions for CRC, these traditional strategies could be invasive and with numerous adverse effects. The poor prognosis of CRC patients highlights the evident and pressing need for more efficient and targeted treatment. Novel strategies regarding mRNA vaccines for anti-tumor therapy have also been well-developed since the successful application for the prevention of COVID-19. mRNA vaccine technology won the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, signaling a new direction in human anti-cancer treatment: mRNA medicine. As a promising new immunotherapy in CRC and other multiple cancer treatments, the mRNA vaccine has higher specificity, better efficacy, and fewer side effects than traditional strategies. The present review outlines the basics of mRNA vaccines and their advantages over other vaccines and informs an available strategy for developing efficient mRNA vaccines for CRC precise treatment. In the future, more exploration of mRNA vaccines for CRC shall be attached, fostering innovation to address existing limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.1 MinDe Road, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China; School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yujun Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.1 MinDe Road, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China; Huankui Academy, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Chulin Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.1 MinDe Road, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China; The Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jianhao Zhan
- Huankui Academy, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xifu Cheng
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Haoyu Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.1 MinDe Road, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shengxun Mao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.1 MinDe Road, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Zhen Zong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.1 MinDe Road, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China.
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6
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Kumari K, Singh A, Chaudhary A, Singh RK, Shanker A, Kumar V, Haque R. Neoantigen Identification and Dendritic Cell-Based Vaccines for Lung Cancer Immunotherapy. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:498. [PMID: 38793749 PMCID: PMC11125796 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12050498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies can treat many cancers, including difficult-to-treat cases such as lung cancer. Due to its tolerability, long-lasting therapeutic responses, and efficacy in a wide spectrum of patients, immunotherapy can also help to treat lung cancer, which has few treatment choices. Tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) for cancer vaccinations and T-cell therapies are difficult to discover. Neoantigens (NeoAgs) from genetic mutations, irregular RNA splicing, protein changes, or viral genetic sequences in tumor cells provide a solution. NeoAgs, unlike TSAs, are non-self and can cause an immunological response. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics can swiftly detect and forecast tumor-specific NeoAgs. Highly immunogenic NeoAgs provide personalized or generalized cancer immunotherapies. Dendritic cells (DCs), which originate and regulate T-cell responses, are widely studied potential immunotherapeutic therapies for lung cancer and other cancers. DC vaccines are stable, reliable, and safe in clinical trials. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the current status, limitations, and prospective clinical applications of DC vaccines, as well as the identification and selection of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II genes for NeoAgs. Our goal is to explain DC biology and activate DC manipulation to help researchers create extremely potent cancer vaccines for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Kumari
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya 824236, Bihar, India; (K.K.); (A.C.)
| | - Amarnath Singh
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Archana Chaudhary
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya 824236, Bihar, India; (K.K.); (A.C.)
| | - Rakesh Kumar Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Asheesh Shanker
- Department of Bioinformatics, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya 824236, Bihar, India
| | - Vinay Kumar
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Rizwanul Haque
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya 824236, Bihar, India; (K.K.); (A.C.)
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7
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Desai N, Chavda V, Singh TRR, Thorat ND, Vora LK. Cancer Nanovaccines: Nanomaterials and Clinical Perspectives. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2401631. [PMID: 38693099 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202401631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Cancer nanovaccines represent a promising frontier in cancer immunotherapy, utilizing nanotechnology to augment traditional vaccine efficacy. This review comprehensively examines the current state-of-the-art in cancer nanovaccine development, elucidating innovative strategies and technologies employed in their design. It explores both preclinical and clinical advancements, emphasizing key studies demonstrating their potential to elicit robust anti-tumor immune responses. The study encompasses various facets, including integrating biomaterial-based nanocarriers for antigen delivery, adjuvant selection, and the impact of nanoscale properties on vaccine performance. Detailed insights into the complex interplay between the tumor microenvironment and nanovaccine responses are provided, highlighting challenges and opportunities in optimizing therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, the study presents a thorough analysis of ongoing clinical trials, presenting a snapshot of the current clinical landscape. By curating the latest scientific findings and clinical developments, this study aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for researchers and clinicians engaged in advancing cancer immunotherapy. Integrating nanotechnology into vaccine design holds immense promise for revolutionizing cancer treatment paradigms, and this review provides a timely update on the evolving landscape of cancer nanovaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimeet Desai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Telangana, 502285, India
| | - Vivek Chavda
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, L M College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, 380009, India
| | | | - Nanasaheb D Thorat
- Limerick Digital Cancer Research Centre (LDCRC), University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick, V94T9PX, Ireland
- Department of Physics, Bernal Institute, Castletroy, Limerick, V94T9PX, Ireland
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, Medical Science Division, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Lalitkumar K Vora
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
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8
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Mitra A, Kumar A, Amdare NP, Pathak R. Current Landscape of Cancer Immunotherapy: Harnessing the Immune Arsenal to Overcome Immune Evasion. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:307. [PMID: 38785789 PMCID: PMC11118874 DOI: 10.3390/biology13050307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immune evasion represents a leading hallmark of cancer, posing a significant obstacle to the development of successful anticancer therapies. However, the landscape of cancer treatment has significantly evolved, transitioning into the era of immunotherapy from conventional methods such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. Immunotherapy has emerged as a pivotal component in cancer treatment, harnessing the body's immune system to combat cancer and offering improved prognostic outcomes for numerous patients. The remarkable success of immunotherapy has spurred significant efforts to enhance the clinical efficacy of existing agents and strategies. Several immunotherapeutic approaches have received approval for targeted cancer treatments, while others are currently in preclinical and clinical trials. This review explores recent progress in unraveling the mechanisms of cancer immune evasion and evaluates the clinical effectiveness of diverse immunotherapy strategies, including cancer vaccines, adoptive cell therapy, and antibody-based treatments. It encompasses both established treatments and those currently under investigation, providing a comprehensive overview of efforts to combat cancer through immunological approaches. Additionally, the article emphasizes the current developments, limitations, and challenges in cancer immunotherapy. Furthermore, by integrating analyses of cancer immunotherapy resistance mechanisms and exploring combination strategies and personalized approaches, it offers valuable insights crucial for the development of novel anticancer immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Mitra
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Anoop Kumar
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, National Institute of Biologicals, Noida 201309, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nitin P. Amdare
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Rajiv Pathak
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
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9
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Sheikhlary S, Lopez DH, Moghimi S, Sun B. Recent Findings on Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines: An Updated Review. Biomolecules 2024; 14:503. [PMID: 38672519 PMCID: PMC11048403 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains one of the global leading causes of death and various vaccines have been developed over the years against it, including cell-based, nucleic acid-based, and viral-based cancer vaccines. Although many vaccines have been effective in in vivo and clinical studies and some have been FDA-approved, there are major limitations to overcome: (1) developing one universal vaccine for a specific cancer is difficult, as tumors with different antigens are different for different individuals, (2) the tumor antigens may be similar to the body's own antigens, and (3) there is the possibility of cancer recurrence. Therefore, developing personalized cancer vaccines with the ability to distinguish between the tumor and the body's antigens is indispensable. This paper provides a comprehensive review of different types of cancer vaccines and highlights important factors necessary for developing efficient cancer vaccines. Moreover, the application of other technologies in cancer therapy is discussed. Finally, several insights and conclusions are presented, such as the possibility of using cold plasma and cancer stem cells in developing future cancer vaccines, to tackle the major limitations in the cancer vaccine developmental process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sheikhlary
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - David Humberto Lopez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (D.H.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Sophia Moghimi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (D.H.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Bo Sun
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (D.H.L.); (S.M.)
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Seyed N, Taheri T, Rafati S. Live attenuated-nonpathogenic Leishmania and DNA structures as promising vaccine platforms against leishmaniasis: innovations can make waves. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1326369. [PMID: 38633699 PMCID: PMC11021776 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1326369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by the protozoan parasite of Leishmania genus and is a complex disease affecting mostly tropical regions of the world. Unfortunately, despite the extensive effort made, there is no vaccine available for human use. Undoubtedly, a comprehensive understanding of the host-vector-parasite interaction is substantial for developing an effective prophylactic vaccine. Recently the role of sandfly saliva on disease progression has been uncovered which can make a substantial contribution in vaccine design. In this review we try to focus on the strategies that most probably meet the prerequisites of vaccine development (based on the current understandings) including live attenuated/non-pathogenic and subunit DNA vaccines. Innovative approaches such as reverse genetics, CRISP/R-Cas9 and antibiotic-free selection are now available to promisingly compensate for intrinsic drawbacks associated with these platforms. Our main goal is to call more attention toward the prerequisites of effective vaccine development while controlling the disease outspread is a substantial need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Seyed
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Patel A. Shaping immunity against infectious diseases with multivalent DNA vaccines. VACCINE INSIGHTS 2024; 3:29-33. [PMID: 38694840 PMCID: PMC11062630 DOI: 10.18609/vac.2024.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Immunization has dramatically transformed human and animal health. Since its earliest days, vaccination has served as a fundamental strategy for infectious disease prevention, providing population-level coverage for childhood diseases and seasonal infections, and serving as a rapid response to pandemic pathogens. Yet, there is continued circulation of endemic, emerging, and reemerging pathogens for which there are no licensed prophylactic measures. The successes of nucleic acid technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic, exemplified in the first two licensed mRNA vaccines [1] and the first DNA vaccine receiving emergency use authorization for human use [2], are reinvigorating vaccine development to tackle this urgent unmet need. The inherent stability of DNA offers advantageous features such as thermostability and extended shelf life. These characteristics are pivotal for transport and storage in resource-constrained environments, like low and middle-income countries. Furthermore, the ability to encode large transgenes and well-established modular assembly pipelines are key attributes of DNA-based platforms. This versatility extends to combination strategies of individual DNA vaccines as a multivalent drug product. Multivalent synthetic DNA vaccines are therefore emerging as part of the exciting nucleic acid-based vaccine landscape as a strategy to induce robust and durable immunity in diverse global populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami Patel
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 19104
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12
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Saleh RO, Ibrahim FM, Pallathadka H, Kaur I, Ahmad I, Ali SHJ, Redhee AH, Ghildiyal P, Jawad MA, Alsaadi SB. Nucleic acid vaccines-based therapy for triple-negative breast cancer: A new paradigm in tumor immunotherapy arena. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3992. [PMID: 38551221 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acid vaccines (NAVs) have the potential to be economical, safe, and efficacious. Furthermore, just the chosen antigen in the pathogen is the target of the immune responses brought on by NAVs. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment shows great promise for nucleic acid-based vaccines, such as DNA (as plasmids) and RNA (as messenger RNA [mRNA]). Moreover, cancer vaccines offer a compelling approach that can elicit targeted and long-lasting immune responses against tumor antigens. Bacterial plasmids that encode antigens and immunostimulatory molecules serve as the foundation for DNA vaccines. In the 1990s, plasmid DNA encoding the influenza A nucleoprotein triggered a protective and targeted cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response, marking the first instance of DNA vaccine-mediated immunity. Similarly, in vitro transcribed mRNA was first successfully used in animals in 1990. At that point, mice were given an injection of the gene encoding the mRNA sequence, and the researchers saw the production of a protein. We begin this review by summarizing our existing knowledge of NAVs. Next, we addressed NAV delivery, emphasizing the need to increase efficacy in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raed Obaid Saleh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Al-Maarif University College, Al-Anbar, Iraq
| | - Fatma M Ibrahim
- Community Health Nursing, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
- Geriatric Nursing, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | - Irwanjot Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetics, Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Department of Allied Healthcare and Sciences, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Irfan Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad Hayif Jasim Ali
- Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Health and Medical Technololgy, Al-Ayen University, Thi-Qar, Iraq
| | - Ahmed Huseen Redhee
- Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
- Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq
- Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq
| | - Pallavi Ghildiyal
- Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
| | | | - Salim B Alsaadi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Al-Hadi University College, Baghdad, Iraq
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13
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Oelkrug C. Analysis of physical and biological delivery systems for DNA cancer vaccines and their translation to clinical development. Clin Exp Vaccine Res 2024; 13:73-82. [PMID: 38752006 PMCID: PMC11091436 DOI: 10.7774/cevr.2024.13.2.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA cancer vaccines as an approach in tumor immunotherapy are still being investigated in preclinical and clinical settings. Nevertheless, only a small number of clinical studies have been published so far and are still active. The investigated vaccines show a relatively stable expression in in-vitro transfected cells and may be favorable for developing an immunologic memory in patients. Therefore, DNA vaccines could be suitable as a prophylactic or therapeutic approach against cancer. Due to the low efficiency of these vaccines, the administration technique plays an important role in the vaccine design and its efficacy. These DNA cancer vaccine delivery systems include physical, biological, and non-biological techniques. Although the pre-clinical studies show promising results in the application of the different delivery systems, further studies in clinical trials have not yet been successfully proven.
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14
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Salvato I, Marchini A. Immunotherapeutic Strategies for the Treatment of Glioblastoma: Current Challenges and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1276. [PMID: 38610954 PMCID: PMC11010873 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of research and the best up-to-date treatments, grade 4 Glioblastoma (GBM) remains uniformly fatal with a patient median overall survival of less than 2 years. Recent advances in immunotherapy have reignited interest in utilizing immunological approaches to fight cancer. However, current immunotherapies have so far not met the anticipated expectations, achieving modest results in their journey from bench to bedside for the treatment of GBM. Understanding the intrinsic features of GBM is of crucial importance for the development of effective antitumoral strategies to improve patient life expectancy and conditions. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the distinctive characteristics of GBM that significantly influence current conventional therapies and immune-based approaches. Moreover, we present an overview of the immunotherapeutic strategies currently undergoing clinical evaluation for GBM treatment, with a specific emphasis on those advancing to phase 3 clinical studies. These encompass immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive T cell therapies, vaccination strategies (i.e., RNA-, DNA-, and peptide-based vaccines), and virus-based approaches. Finally, we explore novel innovative strategies and future prospects in the field of immunotherapy for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Salvato
- NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), L-1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg;
- Laboratory of Oncolytic Virus Immuno-Therapeutics (LOVIT), Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), L-1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM), University of Luxembourg, L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Antonio Marchini
- Laboratory of Oncolytic Virus Immuno-Therapeutics (LOVIT), Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), L-1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Laboratory of Oncolytic Virus Immuno-Therapeutics, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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15
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Katopodi T, Petanidis S, Grigoriadou E, Anestakis D, Charalampidis C, Chatziprodromidou I, Floros G, Eskitzis P, Zarogoulidis P, Koulouris C, Sevva C, Papadopoulos K, Roulia P, Mantalovas S, Dagher M, Karakousis AV, Varsamis N, Vlassopoulos K, Theodorou V, Mystakidou CM, Katsios NI, Farmakis K, Kosmidis C. Immune Specific and Tumor-Dependent mRNA Vaccines for Cancer Immunotherapy: Reprogramming Clinical Translation into Tumor Editing Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:455. [PMID: 38675116 PMCID: PMC11053579 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Extensive research into mRNA vaccines for cancer therapy in preclinical and clinical trials has prepared the ground for the quick development of immune-specific mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therapeutic cancer vaccines based on mRNA are well tolerated, and are an attractive choice for future cancer immunotherapy. Ideal personalized tumor-dependent mRNA vaccines could stimulate both humoral and cellular immunity by overcoming cancer-induced immune suppression and tumor relapse. The stability, structure, and distribution strategies of mRNA-based vaccines have been improved by technological innovations, and patients with diverse tumor types are now being enrolled in numerous clinical trials investigating mRNA vaccine therapy. Despite the fact that therapeutic mRNA-based cancer vaccines have not yet received clinical approval, early clinical trials with mRNA vaccines as monotherapy and in conjunction with checkpoint inhibitors have shown promising results. In this review, we analyze the most recent clinical developments in mRNA-based cancer vaccines and discuss the optimal platforms for the creation of mRNA vaccines. We also discuss the development of the cancer vaccines' clinical research, paying particular attention to their clinical use and therapeutic efficacy, which could facilitate the design of mRNA-based vaccines in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodora Katopodi
- Laboratory of Medical Biology and Genetics, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (T.K.); (E.G.)
| | - Savvas Petanidis
- Laboratory of Medical Biology and Genetics, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (T.K.); (E.G.)
- Department of Pulmonology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119992, Russia
| | - Eirini Grigoriadou
- Laboratory of Medical Biology and Genetics, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (T.K.); (E.G.)
| | - Doxakis Anestakis
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus; (D.A.); (C.C.)
| | | | | | - George Floros
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Thessaly, 38334 Volos, Greece;
| | - Panagiotis Eskitzis
- Department of Obstetrics, University of Western Macedonia, 50100 Kozani, Greece;
| | - Paul Zarogoulidis
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 55236 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.Z.); (C.K.); (C.S.); (K.P.); (S.M.); (M.D.); (A.V.K.); (C.K.)
| | - Charilaos Koulouris
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 55236 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.Z.); (C.K.); (C.S.); (K.P.); (S.M.); (M.D.); (A.V.K.); (C.K.)
| | - Christina Sevva
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 55236 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.Z.); (C.K.); (C.S.); (K.P.); (S.M.); (M.D.); (A.V.K.); (C.K.)
| | - Konstantinos Papadopoulos
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 55236 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.Z.); (C.K.); (C.S.); (K.P.); (S.M.); (M.D.); (A.V.K.); (C.K.)
| | - Panagiota Roulia
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 55236 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.Z.); (C.K.); (C.S.); (K.P.); (S.M.); (M.D.); (A.V.K.); (C.K.)
| | - Stylianos Mantalovas
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 55236 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.Z.); (C.K.); (C.S.); (K.P.); (S.M.); (M.D.); (A.V.K.); (C.K.)
| | - Marios Dagher
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 55236 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.Z.); (C.K.); (C.S.); (K.P.); (S.M.); (M.D.); (A.V.K.); (C.K.)
| | - Alexandros Vasileios Karakousis
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 55236 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.Z.); (C.K.); (C.S.); (K.P.); (S.M.); (M.D.); (A.V.K.); (C.K.)
| | | | - Konstantinos Vlassopoulos
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.V.); (V.T.); (C.M.M.)
| | - Vasiliki Theodorou
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.V.); (V.T.); (C.M.M.)
| | - Chrysi Maria Mystakidou
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.V.); (V.T.); (C.M.M.)
| | - Nikolaos Iason Katsios
- Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Konstantinos Farmakis
- Pediatric Surgery Clinic, General Hospital of Thessaloniki “G. Gennimatas”, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54635 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Christoforos Kosmidis
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 55236 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.Z.); (C.K.); (C.S.); (K.P.); (S.M.); (M.D.); (A.V.K.); (C.K.)
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16
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Aghajani M, Jalilzadeh N, Aghebati-Maleki A, Yari A, Tabnak P, Mardi A, Saeedi H, Aghebati-Maleki L, Baradaran B. Current approaches in glioblastoma multiforme immunotherapy. Clin Transl Oncol 2024:10.1007/s12094-024-03395-7. [PMID: 38512448 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-024-03395-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) is the most prevalent CNS (central nervous system) tumor in adults, with an average survival length shorter than 2 years and rare metastasis to organs other than CNS. Despite extensive attempts at surgical resecting, the inherently permeable nature of this disease has rendered relapse nearly unavoidable. Thus, immunotherapy is a feasible alternative, as stimulated immune cells can enter into the remote and inaccessible tumor cells. Immunotherapy has revolutionized patient upshots in various malignancies and might introduce different effective ways for GBM patients. Currently, researchers are exploring various immunotherapeutic strategies in patients with GBM to target both the innate and acquired immune responses. These approaches include reprogrammed tumor-associated macrophages, the use of specific antibodies to inhibit tumor progression and metastasis, modifying tumor-associated macrophages with antibodies, vaccines that utilize tumor-specific dendritic cells to activate anti-tumor T cells, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and enhanced T cells that function against tumor cells. Despite these findings, there is still room for improving the response faults of the many currently tested immunotherapies. This study aims to review the currently used immunotherapy approaches with their molecular mechanisms and clinical application in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Aghajani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nazila Jalilzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Aghebati-Maleki
- Molecular Medicine Department, Faculty of Modern Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Yari
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Biology, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz Branch, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Peyman Tabnak
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Mardi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hossein Saeedi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leili Aghebati-Maleki
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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17
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Shebbo S, Binothman N, Darwaish M, Niaz HA, Abdulal RH, Borjac J, Hashem AM, Mahmoud AB. Redefining the battle against colorectal cancer: a comprehensive review of emerging immunotherapies and their clinical efficacy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1350208. [PMID: 38533510 PMCID: PMC10963412 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1350208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer globally and presents a significant challenge owing to its high mortality rate and the limitations of traditional treatment options such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. While these treatments are foundational, they are often poorly effective owing to tumor resistance. Immunotherapy is a groundbreaking alternative that has recently emerged and offers new hope for success by exploiting the body's own immune system. This article aims to provide an extensive review of clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of various immunotherapies, including CRC vaccines, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. We also discuss combining CRC vaccines with monoclonal antibodies, delve into preclinical studies of novel cancer vaccines, and assess the impact of these treatment methods on patient outcomes. This review seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the current state of CRC treatment by evaluating innovative treatments and their potential to redefine the prognosis of patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salima Shebbo
- Strategic Research and Innovation Laboratories, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Debbieh, Lebanon
| | - Najat Binothman
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences and Arts, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manar Darwaish
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Immunology Research Program, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanan A. Niaz
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rwaa H. Abdulal
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jamilah Borjac
- Department of Biological Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Debbieh, Lebanon
| | - Anwar M. Hashem
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Bakur Mahmoud
- Strategic Research and Innovation Laboratories, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawarah, Saudi Arabia
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18
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Zhang H, Liu Z, Lihe H, Lu L, Zhang Z, Yang S, Meng N, Xiong Y, Fan X, Chen Z, Lu W, Xie C, Liu M. Intranasal G5-BGG/pDNA Vaccine Elicits Protective Systemic and Mucosal Immunity against SARS-CoV-2 by Transfecting Mucosal Dendritic Cells. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303261. [PMID: 37961920 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Infectious disease pandemics, including the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, have heightened the demand for vaccines. Although parenteral vaccines induce robust systemic immunity, their effectiveness in respiratory mucosae is limited. Considering the crucial role of nasal-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) in mucosal immune responses, in this study, the intranasal complex composed of G5-BGG and antigen-expressing plasmid DNA (pSP), named G5-BGG/pSP complex, is developed to activate NALT and to promote both systemic and mucosal immune defense. G5-BGG/pSP could traverse mucosal barriers and deliver DNA to the target cells because of its superior nasal retention and permeability characteristics. The intranasal G5-BGG/pSP complex elicits robust antigen-specific immune responses, such as the notable production of IgG antibody against several virus variants. More importantly, it induces elevated levels of antigen-specific IgA antibody and a significant expansion of the lung-resident T lymphocyte population. Notably, the intranasal G5-BGG/pSP complex results in antigen expression and maturation of dendritic cells in nasal mucosae. These findings exhibit the potential of G5-BGG, a novel cationic material, as an effective gene carrier for intranasal vaccines to obtain robust systemic and mucosal immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics and the Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zezhong Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and the Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hongye Lihe
- Department of Pharmaceutics and the Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Linwei Lu
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zongxu Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics and the Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Shengmin Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutics and the Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Nana Meng
- Department of Pharmaceutics and the Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yin Xiong
- Department of Pharmaceutics and the Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xingyan Fan
- Department of Pharmaceutics and the Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhikai Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and the Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Weiyue Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutics and the Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Shanghai Engineering Technology Research Center for Pharmaceutica Intelligent Equipment, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Druggability of Cardiovascular non-coding RNA Institute for Frontier Medical Technology Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Shanghai Tayzen Pharmlab Co., Ltd., Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Cao Xie
- Shanghai Tayzen Pharmlab Co., Ltd., Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics and the Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
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19
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Han L, Huo Y, Huang L, Zheng Y, Yu X, Zhang N, Yang M. Genome-wide functional integration identified MAZ-controlled RPS14 dysregulation in hepatocellular carcinoma. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:985-997. [PMID: 38189915 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03669-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Chronic infection with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) significantly increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly in Eastern Asia. However, only a subset of individuals with chronic HBV infection develop HCC, suggesting the role for genetic factors in HCC etiology. Despite genome-wide association studies (GWASs) identifying multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with HBV-related HCC susceptibility, the underlying mechanisms and causal genetic polymorphisms remain largely unclear. To address this, we developed The Updated Integrative Functional Genomics Approach (TUIFGA), an methodology that combines data from transcription factor (TF) cistromics, ATAC-seq, DNAase-seq, and the 1000 Genomes Project to identify cancer susceptibility SNPs within TF-binding sites across human genome. Using TUIFGA, we discovered SNP rs13170300 which located in the TF MAZ binding motif of RPS14. The RPS14 rs13170300 was significantly associated with HCC risk in two case-control sets, with the T allele as the protective allele (Shandong discovery set: TT OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.49-0.74, P = 1.0 × 10-6; CT OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.55-0.86, P = 0.001; Jiangsu validation set: TT OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.56-0.87, P = 0.001; CT OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.53-0.82, P = 1.6 × 10-4). SNP rs13170300 affected MAZ binding in the RPS14 promoter, resulting in allele-specific changes in gene expression. RPS14 functions as a novel oncogene in HCC, specifically via activating the AKT signaling. Our findings present important insights into the functional genetics underlying HBV-related HCC development and may contribute to personalized approaches for cancer prevention and novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyu Han
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yanfei Huo
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong Province, China
| | - Linying Huang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yanxiu Zheng
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xinyuan Yu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong Province, China
| | - Nasha Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong Province, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong Province, China.
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Shandong University Cancer Center, Shandong Province, Jinan, 250117, China.
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20
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Wang SH, Cao Z, Farazuddin M, Chen J, Janczak KW, Tang S, Cannon J, Baker JR. A novel intranasal peptide vaccine inhibits non-small cell lung cancer with KRAS mutation. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:464-471. [PMID: 38177307 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00717-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
KRAS mutations occur commonly in the lung and can lead to the development of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While the mutated KRAS protein is a neoantigen, it usually does not generate an effective anti-tumor immune response on mucosal/epithelial surfaces. Despite this, mutated KRAS remains a potential target for immunotherapy since immune targeting of this protein in animal models has been effective at eliminating tumor cells. We attempted to develop a KRAS vaccine using mutated and wild-type KRAS peptides in combination with a nanoemulsion (NE) adjuvant. The efficacy of this approach was tested in an inducible mutant KRAS-mouse lung tumor model. Animals were immunized intranasally using NE with KRAS peptides. These animals had decreased CD4+FoxP3+ T cells in both lymph nodes and spleen. Immunized animals also showed higher IFN-γ and IL-17a levels to mutated KRAS that were produced by CD8+ T cells and enhancement in KRAS-specific Th1 and Th17 responses that persisted for 3 months after the last vaccination. Importantly, the immunized animals had significantly decreased tumor incidence compared to control animals. In conclusion, a mucosal approach to KRAS vaccination demonstrated the ability to induce local KRAS-specific immune responses in the lung and resulted in reduced tumor incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su He Wang
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Division of Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Zhengyi Cao
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Mohammad Farazuddin
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Division of Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jesse Chen
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Katarzyna W Janczak
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Shengzhuang Tang
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jayme Cannon
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - James R Baker
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Division of Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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21
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Zhang K, Wuri Q, Cai Z, Qu X, Zhang S, Wu H, Wu J, Wang C, Yu X, Kong W, Zhang H. The XCL1-Mediated DNA Vaccine Targeting Type 1 Conventional Dendritic Cells Combined with Gemcitabine and Anti-PD1 Antibody Induces Potent Antitumor Immunity in a Mouse Lung Cancer Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1880. [PMID: 38339158 PMCID: PMC10855623 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
With the advent of cancer immunotherapy, there is a growing interest in vaccine development as a means to activate the cellular immune system against cancer. Despite the promise of DNA vaccines in this regard, their effectiveness is hindered by poor immunogenicity, leading to modest therapeutic outcomes across various cancers. The role of Type 1 conventional dendritic cells (cDC1), capable of cross-presenting vaccine antigens to activate CD8+T cells, emerges as crucial for the antitumor function of DNA vaccines. To address the limitations of DNA vaccines, a promising approach involves targeting antigens to cDC1 through the fusion of XCL1, a ligand specific to the receptor XCR1 on the surface of cDC1. Here, female C57BL/6 mice were selected for tumor inoculation and immunotherapy. Additionally, recognizing the complexity of cancer, this study explored the use of combination therapies, particularly the combination of cDC1-targeted DNA vaccine with the chemotherapy drug Gemcitabine (Gem) and the anti-PD1 antibody in a mouse lung cancer model. The study's findings indicate that fusion antigens with XCL1 effectively enhance both the immunogenicity and antitumor effects of DNA vaccines. Moreover, the combination of the cDC1-targeted DNA vaccine with Gemcitabine and anti-PD1 antibody in the mouse lung cancer model demonstrates an improved antitumor effect, leading to the prolonged survival of mice. In conclusion, this research provides important support for the clinical investigation of cDC1-targeting DNA vaccines in combination with other therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (K.Z.); (Q.W.); (Z.C.); (X.Q.); (S.Z.); (H.W.); (J.W.); (C.W.); (X.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Qimuge Wuri
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (K.Z.); (Q.W.); (Z.C.); (X.Q.); (S.Z.); (H.W.); (J.W.); (C.W.); (X.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Zongyu Cai
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (K.Z.); (Q.W.); (Z.C.); (X.Q.); (S.Z.); (H.W.); (J.W.); (C.W.); (X.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Xueli Qu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (K.Z.); (Q.W.); (Z.C.); (X.Q.); (S.Z.); (H.W.); (J.W.); (C.W.); (X.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Shiqi Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (K.Z.); (Q.W.); (Z.C.); (X.Q.); (S.Z.); (H.W.); (J.W.); (C.W.); (X.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Hui Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (K.Z.); (Q.W.); (Z.C.); (X.Q.); (S.Z.); (H.W.); (J.W.); (C.W.); (X.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Jiaxin Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (K.Z.); (Q.W.); (Z.C.); (X.Q.); (S.Z.); (H.W.); (J.W.); (C.W.); (X.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Chu Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (K.Z.); (Q.W.); (Z.C.); (X.Q.); (S.Z.); (H.W.); (J.W.); (C.W.); (X.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Xianghui Yu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (K.Z.); (Q.W.); (Z.C.); (X.Q.); (S.Z.); (H.W.); (J.W.); (C.W.); (X.Y.); (W.K.)
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, The Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Wei Kong
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (K.Z.); (Q.W.); (Z.C.); (X.Q.); (S.Z.); (H.W.); (J.W.); (C.W.); (X.Y.); (W.K.)
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, The Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Haihong Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (K.Z.); (Q.W.); (Z.C.); (X.Q.); (S.Z.); (H.W.); (J.W.); (C.W.); (X.Y.); (W.K.)
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22
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Lu B, Lim JM, Yu B, Song S, Neeli P, Sobhani N, K P, Bonam SR, Kurapati R, Zheng J, Chai D. The next-generation DNA vaccine platforms and delivery systems: advances, challenges and prospects. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1332939. [PMID: 38361919 PMCID: PMC10867258 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1332939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccines have proven effective in the treatment and prevention of numerous diseases. However, traditional attenuated and inactivated vaccines suffer from certain drawbacks such as complex preparation, limited efficacy, potential risks and others. These limitations restrict their widespread use, especially in the face of an increasingly diverse range of diseases. With the ongoing advancements in genetic engineering vaccines, DNA vaccines have emerged as a highly promising approach in the treatment of both genetic diseases and acquired diseases. While several DNA vaccines have demonstrated substantial success in animal models of diseases, certain challenges need to be addressed before application in human subjects. The primary obstacle lies in the absence of an optimal delivery system, which significantly hampers the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines. We conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current status and limitations of DNA vaccines by focusing on both viral and non-viral DNA delivery systems, as they play crucial roles in the exploration of novel DNA vaccines. We provide an evaluation of their strengths and weaknesses based on our critical assessment. Additionally, the review summarizes the most recent advancements and breakthroughs in pre-clinical and clinical studies, highlighting the need for further clinical trials in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Lu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Ming Lim
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Boyue Yu
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Siyuan Song
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Praveen Neeli
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Navid Sobhani
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Pavithra K
- School of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Srinivasa Reddy Bonam
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Rajendra Kurapati
- School of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dafei Chai
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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23
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Rathore AS, Chirmule N, Dash R, Chowdhury A. Current status and future prospective of breast cancer immunotherapy. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2024; 140:293-326. [PMID: 38762272 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2023.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The immune system is complicated, interconnected, and offers a powerful defense system that protects its host from foreign pathogens. Immunotherapy involves boosting the immune system to kill cancer cells, and nowadays, is a major emerging treatment for cancer. With the advances in our understanding of the immunology of cancer, there has been an explosion of studies to develop and evaluate therapies that engage the immune system in the fight against cancer. Nevertheless, conventional therapies have been effective in reducing tumor burden and prolonging patient life, but the overall efficacy of these treatment regimens has been somewhat mixed and often with severe side effects. A common reason for this is the activation of molecular mechanisms that lead to apoptosis of anti-tumor effector cells. The competency to block tumor escape entirely depends on our understanding of the cellular and molecular pathways which operate in the tumor microenvironment. Numerous strategies have been developed for activating the immune system to kill tumor cells. Breast cancer is one of the major causes of cancer death in women, and is characterized by complex molecular and cellular events that closely intertwine with the host immune system. In this regard, predictive biomarkers of immunotherapy, use of nanotechnology, personalized cancer vaccines, antibodies to checkpoint inhibitors, engineered chimeric antigen receptor-T cells, and the combination with other therapeutic modalities have transformed cancer therapy and optimized the therapeutic effect. In this chapter, we will offer a holistic view of the different therapeutic modalities and recent advances in immunotherapy. Additionally, we will summarize the recent advances and future prospective of breast cancer immunotherapies, as a case study.
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24
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Kozak M, Hu J. DNA Vaccines: Their Formulations, Engineering and Delivery. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:71. [PMID: 38250884 PMCID: PMC10820593 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12010071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The concept of DNA vaccination was introduced in the early 1990s. Since then, advancements in the augmentation of the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines have brought this technology to the market, especially in veterinary medicine, to prevent many diseases. Along with the successful COVID mRNA vaccines, the first DNA vaccine for human use, the Indian ZyCovD vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, was approved in 2021. In the current review, we first give an overview of the DNA vaccine focusing on the science, including adjuvants and delivery methods. We then cover some of the emerging science in the field of DNA vaccines, notably efforts to optimize delivery systems, better engineer delivery apparatuses, identify optimal delivery sites, personalize cancer immunotherapy through DNA vaccination, enhance adjuvant science through gene adjuvants, enhance off-target and heritable immunity through epigenetic modification, and predict epitopes with bioinformatic approaches. We also discuss the major limitations of DNA vaccines and we aim to address many theoretical concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kozak
- The Jake Gittlen Laboratories for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
- The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Jiafen Hu
- The Jake Gittlen Laboratories for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
- The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
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25
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Ferreira PL, Marie H, Berger T, Edelmann B, Rammo O, Sousa F. Evaluation of novel chromatographic prototypes for supercoiled plasmid DNA polishing. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 11:1296444. [PMID: 38249801 PMCID: PMC10797707 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1296444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the world first approved gene therapeutics, nucleic acid-based therapies have gained prominence. Several strategies for DNA-based therapy have been approved, and numerous clinical trials for plasmid DNA (pDNA)-based vaccines are currently in development. Due to the rising interest in pDNA for vaccination and gene therapy, plasmid manufacturing must become more effective. One of the most critical steps is downstream processing, involving isolation and purification procedures. To comply with the regulatory guidelines, pDNA must be available as a highly purified, homogeneous preparation of supercoiled pDNA (sc pDNA). This process undertakes several challenges, primarily due to the diversity of molecules derived from the producer organism. In this study, different resins were tested for the adsorption and selective polishing of sc pDNA. To identify optimal pDNA adsorption conditions, batch and column assays were performed with different resins while promoting electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. The effect of ionic strength, pH, and contact time were evaluated and optimized. Additionally, static and dynamic binding capacities were determined for the selected resins. Analytical chromatography and agarose gel electrophoresis were used to assess the selectivity of the most promising resins toward sc pDNA isoform. Also, genomic DNA, endotoxins, and proteins were quantified to characterize the final sc pDNA quality. At the same time, the recovery and purity yields were evaluated by quantification of sc pDNA after the purification procedure. Overall, the results of the chromatographic assays using agmatine- and arginine-based resins have shown promising potential for sc pDNA polishing. Both resins demonstrated excellent binding capacity for pDNA, with agmatine outperforming arginine-based resin in terms of capacity. However, arginine-based resin exhibited a superior pDNA recovery yield, reaching a notable 52.2% recovery compared to 10.09% from agmatine. Furthermore, both resins exhibited high relative purity levels above 90% for the sc pDNA. The comprehensive characterization of the recovered sc pDNA also revealed a significant reduction in gDNA levels, reinforcing the potential of these prototypes for obtaining high-quality and pure sc pDNA. These findings highlight the promising applications of both resins in scalable pDNA purification processes for gene therapy and biopharmaceutical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro L. Ferreira
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | | | - Tim Berger
- Merck Life Science KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | | | - Fani Sousa
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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26
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Kim J, Pena JV, McQueen HP, Kong L, Michael D, Lomashvili EM, Cook PR. Downstream STING pathways IRF3 and NF-κB differentially regulate CCL22 in response to cytosolic dsDNA. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:28-42. [PMID: 37990062 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00678-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells is abnormal and typically indicates the presence of pathogens or mislocalized self-DNA. Multiple sensors detect cytosolic dsDNA and trigger robust immune responses via activation of type I interferons. Several cancer immunotherapy treatments also activate cytosolic nucleic acid sensing pathways, including oncolytic viruses, nucleic acid-based cancer vaccines, and pharmacological agonists. We report here that cytosolic dsDNA introduced into malignant cells can robustly upregulate expression of CCL22, a chemokine responsible for the recruitment of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Tregs in the tumor microenvironment are thought to repress anti-tumor immune responses and contribute to tumor immune evasion. Surprisingly, we found that CCL22 upregulation by dsDNA was mediated primarily by interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), a key transcription factor that activates type I interferons. This finding was unexpected given previous reports that type I interferon alpha (IFN-α) inhibits CCL22 and that IRF3 is associated with strong anti-tumor immune responses, not Treg recruitment. We also found that CCL22 upregulation by dsDNA occurred concurrently with type I interferon beta (IFN-β) upregulation. IRF3 is one of two transcription factors downstream of the STimulator of INterferon Genes (STING), a hub adaptor protein through which multiple dsDNA sensors transmit their signals. The other transcription factor downstream of STING, NF-κB, has been reported to regulate CCL22 expression in other contexts, and NF-κB has also been associated with multiple pro-tumor functions, including Treg recruitment. However, we found that NF-κB in the context of activation by cytosolic dsDNA contributed minimally to CCL22 upregulation compared with IRF3. Lastly, we observed that two strains of the same cell line differed profoundly in their capacity to upregulate CCL22 and IFN-β in response to dsDNA, despite apparent STING activation in both cell lines. This finding suggests that during tumor evolution, cells can acquire, or lose, the ability to upregulate CCL22. This study adds to our understanding of factors that may modulate immune activation in response to cytosolic DNA and has implications for immunotherapy strategies that activate DNA sensing pathways in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihyun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Jocelyn V Pena
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Hannah P McQueen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Lingwei Kong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Dina Michael
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Elmira M Lomashvili
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Pamela R Cook
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA.
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27
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Duan Z, Yang D, Yuan P, Dai X, Chen G, Wu D. Advances, opportunities and challenges in developing therapeutic cancer vaccines. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 193:104198. [PMID: 37949152 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic cancer vaccines have shown promising efficacy in helping immunotherapy for cancer patients, but the systematic characterization of the clinical application and the method for improving efficacy is lacking. Here, we mainly summarize the classification of therapeutic cancer vaccines, including protein vaccines, nucleic acid vaccines, cellular vaccines and anti-idiotypic antibody vaccines, and subdivide the above vaccines according to different types and delivery forms. Additionally, we outline the clinical efficacy and safety of vaccines, as well as the combination strategies of therapeutic cancer vaccines with other therapies. This review will provide a detailed overview and rationale for the future clinical application and development of therapeutic cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Duan
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Dandan Yang
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Ping Yuan
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xiaoming Dai
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Guodong Chen
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
| | - Daichao Wu
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
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28
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Janes ME, Gottlieb AP, Park KS, Zhao Z, Mitragotri S. Cancer vaccines in the clinic. Bioeng Transl Med 2024; 9:e10588. [PMID: 38193112 PMCID: PMC10771564 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccines are an important tool in the rapidly evolving repertoire of immunotherapies in oncology. Although cancer vaccines have been investigated for over 30 years, very few have achieved meaningful clinical success. However, recent advances in areas such antigen identification, formulation development and manufacturing, combination therapy regimens, and indication and patient selection hold promise to reinvigorate the field. Here, we provide a timely update on the clinical status of cancer vaccines. We identify and critically analyze 360 active trials of cancer vaccines according to delivery vehicle, antigen type, indication, and other metrics, as well as highlight eight globally approved products. Finally, we discuss current limitations and future applications for clinical translation of cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan E. Janes
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Harvard UniversityCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired EngineeringBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Harvard‐MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | - Alexander P. Gottlieb
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Harvard UniversityCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired EngineeringBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Kyung Soo Park
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Harvard UniversityCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired EngineeringBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Zongmin Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of Pharmacy, University of Illinois ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
- University of Illinois Cancer CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Samir Mitragotri
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Harvard UniversityCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired EngineeringBostonMassachusettsUSA
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29
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Bhagat A, Lyerly HK, Morse MA, Hartman ZC. CEA vaccines. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2291857. [PMID: 38087989 PMCID: PMC10732609 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2291857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a glycosylated cell surface oncofetal protein involved in adhesion, proliferation, and migration that is highly upregulated in multiple carcinomas and has long been a promising target for cancer vaccination. This review summarizes the progress to date in the development of CEA vaccines, examining both pre-clinical and clinical studies across a variety of vaccine platforms that in aggregate, begin to reveal some critical insights. These studies demonstrate the ability of CEA vaccines to break immunologic tolerance and elicit CEA-specific immunity, which associates with improved clinical outcomes in select individuals. Approaches that have combined replicating viral vectors, with heterologous boosting and different adjuvant strategies have been particularly promising but, these early clinical trial results will require confirmatory studies. Collectively, these studies suggest that clinical efficacy likely depends upon harnessing a potent vaccine combination in an appropriate clinical setting to fully realize the potential of CEA vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anchit Bhagat
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Herbert K. Lyerly
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Pathology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael A. Morse
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Zachary C. Hartman
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Pathology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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30
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Qin L, Wu J. Targeting anticancer immunity in oral cancer: Drugs, products, and nanoparticles. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 239:116751. [PMID: 37507044 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Oral cavity carcinomas are the most frequent malignancies among head and neck malignancies. Oral tumors include not only oral cancer cells with different potency and stemness but also consist of diverse cells, containing anticancer immune cells, stromal and also immunosuppressive cells that influence the immune system reactions. The infiltrated T and natural killer (NK) cells are the substantial tumor-suppressive immune compartments in the tumor. The infiltration of these cells has substantial impacts on the response of tumors to immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Nevertheless, cancer cells, stromal cells, and some other compartments like regulatory T cells (Tregs), macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) can repress the immune responses against malignant cells. Boosting anticancer immunity by inducing the immune system or repressing the tumor-promoting cells is one of the intriguing approaches for the eradication of malignant cells such as oral cancers. This review aims to concentrate on the secretions and interactions in the oral tumor immune microenvironment. We review targeting tumor stroma, immune system and immunosuppressive interactions in oral tumors. This review will also focus on therapeutic targets and therapeutic agents such as nanoparticles and products with anti-tumor potency that can boost anticancer immunity in oral tumors. We also explain possible future perspectives including delivery of various cells, natural products and drugs by nanoparticles for boosting anticancer immunity in oral tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liling Qin
- Gezhouba Central Hospital of the Third Clinical Medical College of Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China
| | - Jianan Wu
- Experimental and Practical Teaching Center, Hubei College of Chinese Medicine, Jingzhou, Hubei, 434000, China.
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31
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Suzuki N, Shindo Y, Nakajima M, Tsunedomi R, Nagano H. Current status of vaccine immunotherapy for gastrointestinal cancers. Surg Today 2023:10.1007/s00595-023-02773-y. [PMID: 38043066 DOI: 10.1007/s00595-023-02773-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in tumor immunology and molecular drug development have ushered in a new era of cancer immunotherapy. Immunotherapy has shown promising results for several types of tumors, such as advanced melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, bladder cancers, and refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma. Similarly, efforts have been made to develop immunotherapies such as adoptive T-cell transplantation, peptide vaccines, and dendritic cell vaccines, specifically for gastrointestinal tumors. However, before the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors, immunotherapy did not work as well as expected. In this article, we review immunotherapy, focusing on cancer vaccines for gastrointestinal tumors, which generally target eliciting tumor-specific CD8 + cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). We also review various vaccine therapies and describe the relationship between vaccines and adjuvants. Finally, we discuss prospects for the combination of immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuaki Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast, and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Yoshitaro Shindo
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast, and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Masao Nakajima
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast, and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Ryouichi Tsunedomi
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast, and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Nagano
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast, and Endocrine Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, Japan.
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Pagliari S, Dema B, Sanchez-Martinez A, Montalvo Zurbia-Flores G, Rollier CS. DNA Vaccines: History, Molecular Mechanisms and Future Perspectives. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168297. [PMID: 37797831 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The history of DNA vaccine began as early as the 1960s with the discovery that naked DNA can transfect mammalian cells in vivo. In 1992, the evidence that such transfection could lead to the generation of antigen-specific antibody responses was obtained and supported the development of this technology as a novel vaccine platform. The technology then attracted immense interest and high hopes in vaccinology, as evidence of high immunogenicity and protection against virulent challenges accumulated from several animal models for several diseases. In particular, the capacity to induce T-cell responses was unprecedented in non-live vaccines. However, the technology suffered its major knock when the success in animals failed to translate to humans, where DNA vaccine candidates were shown to be safe but remained poorly immunogenic, or not associated with clinical benefit. Thanks to a thorough exploration of the molecular mechanisms of action of these vaccines, an impressive range of approaches have been and are currently being explored to overcome this major challenge. Despite limited success so far in humans as compared with later genetic vaccine technologies such as viral vectors and mRNA, DNA vaccines are not yet optimised for human use and may still realise their potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sthefany Pagliari
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK; Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Barbara Dema
- Pandemic Science Institute, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Christine S Rollier
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
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Edwards C, Shah SA, Gebhardt T, Jewell CM. Exploiting Unique Features of Microneedles to Modulate Immunity. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2302410. [PMID: 37380199 PMCID: PMC10753036 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202302410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Microneedle arrays (MNAs) are small patches containing hundreds of short projections that deliver signals directly to dermal layers without causing pain. These technologies are of special interest for immunotherapy and vaccine delivery because they directly target immune cells concentrated in the skin. The targeting abilities of MNAs result in efficient immune responses-often more protective or therapeutic-compared to conventional needle delivery. MNAs also offer logistical benefits, such as self-administration and transportation without refrigeration. Thus, numerous preclinical and clinical studies are exploring these technologies. Here the unique advantages of MNA, as well as critical challenges-such as manufacturing and sterility issues-the field faces to enable widespread deployment are discussed. How MNA design parameters can be exploited for controlled release of vaccines and immunotherapies, and the application to preclinical models of infection, cancer, autoimmunity, and allergies are explained. Specific strategies are also discussed to reduce off-target effects compared to conventional vaccine delivery routes, and novel chemical and manufacturing controls that enable cargo stability in MNAs across flexible intervals and temperatures. Clinical research using MNAs is then examined. Drawbacks of MNAs and the implications, and emerging opportunities to exploit MNAs for immune engineering and clinical use are concluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Edwards
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Shrey A Shah
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Thomas Gebhardt
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection & Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Christopher M Jewell
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
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G P, Rathi B, Santoshi S. Translational and structural vaccinomics approach to design a multi-epitope vaccine against NOL4 autologous antigen of small cell lung cancer. Immunol Res 2023; 71:909-928. [PMID: 37410306 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-023-09404-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is one of the most common cancers and it is the sixth common cause for cancer-related deaths. The high plasticity and metastasis have been a major challenge for humanity to treat the disease. Hence, a vaccine for SCLC has become an urgent need of the hour due to public health concern. Implementation of immunoinformatics technique is one of the best way to find a suitable vaccine candidate. Immunoinformatics tools can be used to overcome the limitations and difficulties of traditional vaccinological techniques. Multi-epitope cancer vaccines have become a next-generation technique in vaccinology which can be used to stimulate more potent immune response against a particular antigen by eliminating undesirable molecules. In this study, we used multiple computational and immunoinformatics approach to design a novel multi-epitope vaccine for small cell lung cancer. Nucleolar protein 4 (NOL4) is an autologous cancer-testis antigen overexpressed in SCLC cells. Seventy-five percent humoral immunity have been identified for this particular antigen. In this study, we mapped immunogenic cytotoxic T lymphocyte, helper T lymphocyte, and interferon-gamma epitopes present in NOL4 antigen and designed a multi-epitope-based vaccine using the predicted epitopes. The designed vaccine was antigenic, non-allergenic, and non-toxic with 100% applicability on human population. The chimeric vaccine construct showed stable and significant interaction with endosomal and plasmalemmal toll-like receptors in molecular docking and protein-peptide interaction analysis, thus assuring a strong potent immune response against the vaccine upon administration. Therefore, these preliminary results can be used to carry out further experimental investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavithran G
- Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Bhawna Rathi
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India.
| | - Seneha Santoshi
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
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Keshavarz S, Wall JR, Keshavarz S, Vojoudi E, Jafari-Shakib R. Breast cancer immunotherapy: a comprehensive review. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4431-4447. [PMID: 37658246 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01177-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer remains a major health problem despite numerous new medical interventions that have been introduced in recent years. One of the major choices for cancer therapy is so-called adoptive cell therapy (ACT). ACT can be performed using both innate immune cells, including dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer (NK) cells, and γδ T cells and acquired immune T cells. It has become possible to utilize these cells in both their native and modified states in clinical studies. Because of considerable success in cancer treatment, ACT now plays a role in advanced therapy protocols. Genetic engineering of autologous and allogeneic immune cells (T lymphocytes, NK cells, macrophages, etc.) with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) is a powerful new tool to target specific antigens on cancer cells. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US has approved certain CAR-T cells for hematologic malignancies and it is hoped that their use can be extended to incorporate a variety of cells, in particular NK cells. However, the ACT method has some limitations, such as the risk of rejection in allogeneic engrafts. Accordingly, numerous efforts are being made to eliminate or minimize this and other complications. In the present review, we have developed a guide to breast cancer (BC) therapy from conventional therapy, through to cell-based approaches, in particular novel technologies including CAR with emphasis on NK cells as a new and safer candidate in this field as well as the more recent aptamer technology, which can play a major role in BC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Keshavarz
- School of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Jack R Wall
- University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Somayeh Keshavarz
- School of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Elham Vojoudi
- Regenerative Medicine, Organ Procurement and Transplantation Multidisciplinary Center, Razi Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Reza Jafari-Shakib
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
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Verma C, Pawar VA, Srivastava S, Tyagi A, Kaushik G, Shukla SK, Kumar V. Cancer Vaccines in the Immunotherapy Era: Promise and Potential. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1783. [PMID: 38140187 PMCID: PMC10747700 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic vaccines are a promising alternative for active immunotherapy for different types of cancers. Therapeutic cancer vaccines aim to prevent immune system responses that are not targeted at the tumors only, but also boost the anti-tumor immunity and promote regression or eradication of the malignancy without, or with minimal, adverse events. Clinical trial data have pushed the development of cancer vaccines forward, and the US Food and Drug Administration authorized the first therapeutic cancer vaccine. In the present review, we discuss the various types of cancer vaccines and different approaches for the development of therapeutic cancer vaccines, along with the current state of knowledge and future prospects. We also discuss how tumor-induced immune suppression limits the effectiveness of therapeutic vaccinations, and strategies to overcome this barrier to design efficacious, long-lasting anti-tumor immune responses in the generation of vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaitenya Verma
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | | | - Shivani Srivastava
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA;
| | - Anuradha Tyagi
- Department of cBRN, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Science, Delhi 110054, India;
| | - Gaurav Kaushik
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, India;
| | - Surendra Kumar Shukla
- Department of Oncology Science, OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Vinay Kumar
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43201, USA
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Zeyn Y, Hobernik D, Wilk U, Pöhmerer J, Hieber C, Medina-Montano C, Röhrig N, Strähle CF, Thoma-Kress AK, Wagner E, Bros M, Berger S. Transcriptional Targeting of Dendritic Cells Using an Optimized Human Fascin1 Gene Promoter. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16938. [PMID: 38069260 PMCID: PMC10706967 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Deeper knowledge about the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in cancer development and progression has resulted in new strategies such as gene-based cancer immunotherapy. Whereas some approaches focus on the expression of tumoricidal genes within the TME, DNA-based vaccines are intended to be expressed in antigen-presenting cells (e.g., dendritic cells, DCs) in secondary lymphoid organs, which in turn induce anti-tumor T cell responses. Besides effective delivery systems and the requirement of appropriate adjuvants, DNA vaccines themselves need to be optimized regarding efficacy and selectivity. In this work, the concept of DC-focused transcriptional targeting was tested by applying a plasmid encoding for the luciferase reporter gene under the control of a derivative of the human fascin1 gene promoter (pFscnLuc), comprising the proximal core promoter fused to the normally more distantly located DC enhancer region. DC-focused activity of this reporter construct was confirmed in cell culture in comparison to a standard reporter vector encoding for luciferase under the control of the strong ubiquitously active cytomegalovirus promoter and enhancer (pCMVLuc). Both plasmids were also compared upon intravenous administration in mice. The organ- and cell type-specific expression profile of pFscnLuc versus pCMVLuc demonstrated favorable activity especially in the spleen as a central immune organ and within the spleen in DCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanira Zeyn
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (Y.Z.); (D.H.); (C.H.); (C.M.-M.); (N.R.)
| | - Dominika Hobernik
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (Y.Z.); (D.H.); (C.H.); (C.M.-M.); (N.R.)
| | - Ulrich Wilk
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (U.W.); (J.P.); (E.W.)
| | - Jana Pöhmerer
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (U.W.); (J.P.); (E.W.)
| | - Christoph Hieber
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (Y.Z.); (D.H.); (C.H.); (C.M.-M.); (N.R.)
| | - Carolina Medina-Montano
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (Y.Z.); (D.H.); (C.H.); (C.M.-M.); (N.R.)
| | - Nadine Röhrig
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (Y.Z.); (D.H.); (C.H.); (C.M.-M.); (N.R.)
| | - Caroline F. Strähle
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.F.S.); (A.K.T.-K.)
| | - Andrea K. Thoma-Kress
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.F.S.); (A.K.T.-K.)
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (U.W.); (J.P.); (E.W.)
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (Y.Z.); (D.H.); (C.H.); (C.M.-M.); (N.R.)
| | - Simone Berger
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (U.W.); (J.P.); (E.W.)
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Liu N, Xiao X, Zhang Z, Mao C, Wan M, Shen J. Advances in Cancer Vaccine Research. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:5999-6023. [PMID: 37921277 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The use of cancer vaccines is considered a promising therapeutic strategy in clinical oncology, which is achieved by stimulating antitumor immunity with tumor antigens delivered in the form of cells, peptides, viruses, and nucleic acids. The ideal cancer vaccine has many advantages, including low toxicity, specificity, and induction of persistent immune memory to overcome tumor heterogeneity and reverse the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Many therapeutic vaccines have entered clinical trials for a variety of cancers, including melanoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, and others. However, many challenges, including single antigen targeting, weak immunogenicity, off-target effects, and impaired immune response, have hindered their broad clinical translation. In this review, we introduce the principle of action, components (including antigens and adjuvants), and classification (according to applicable objects and preparation methods) of cancer vaccines, summarize the delivery methods of cancer vaccines, and review the clinical and theoretical research progress of cancer vaccines. We also present new insights into cancer vaccine technologies, platforms, and applications as well as an understanding of potential next-generation preventive and therapeutic vaccine technologies, providing a broader perspective for future vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian Liu
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, No. 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiangyu Xiao
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, No. 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ziqiang Zhang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, No. 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chun Mao
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, No. 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Mimi Wan
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, No. 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jian Shen
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, No. 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
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Halabian R, Jahangiri A, Sedighian H, Behzadi E, Fooladi AAI. Staphylococcal enterotoxin B as DNA vaccine against breast cancer in a murine model. Int Microbiol 2023; 26:939-949. [PMID: 36991248 PMCID: PMC10057679 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-023-00348-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Recently, many efforts have been made to treat cancer using recombinant bacterial toxins and this strategy has been used in clinical trials of various cancers. Therapeutic DNA cancer vaccines are now considered as a promising strategy to activate the immune system against cancer. Cancer vaccines could induce specific and long-lasting immune responses against tumors. This study aimed to evaluate the antitumor potency of the SEB DNA vaccine as a new antitumor candidate against breast tumors in vivo. To determine the effect of the SEB construct on inhibiting tumor cell growth in vivo, the synthetic SEB gene, subsequent codon optimization, and embedding the cleavage sites were sub-cloned to an expression vector. Then, SEB construct, SEB, and PBS were injected into the mice. After being vaccinated, 4T1 cancer cells were injected subcutaneously into the right flank of mice. Then, the cytokine levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ were estimated by the ELISA method to evaluate the antitumor activity. The spleen lymphocyte proliferation, tumor size, and survival time were assessed. The concentration of IFN-γ in the SEB-Vac group showed a significant increase compared to other groups. The production of IL-4 in the group that received the DNA vaccine did not change significantly compared to the control group. The lymphocyte proliferation increased significantly in the mice group that received SEB construct than PBS control group (p < 0.001). While there was a meaningful decrease in tumor size (p < 0.001), a significant increase in tumor tissue necrosis (p < 0.01) and also in survival time of the animal model receiving the recombinant construct was observed. The designed SEB gene construct can be a new model vaccine for breast cancer because it effectively induces necrosis and produces specific immune responses. This structure does not hurt normal cells and is a safer treatment than chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Its slow and long-term release gently stimulates the immune system and cellular memory. It could be applied as a new model for inducing apoptosis and antitumor immunity to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Halabian
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Jahangiri
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Sedighian
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Behzadi
- Academy of Medical Sciences of the I.R. of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Ali Imani Fooladi
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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40
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Borgo GM, Rutishauser RL. Generating and measuring effective vaccine-elicited HIV-specific CD8 + T cell responses. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2023; 18:331-341. [PMID: 37751362 PMCID: PMC10552829 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There is growing consensus that eliciting CD8 + T cells in addition to antibodies may be required for an effective HIV vaccine for both prevention and cure. Here, we review key qualities of vaccine-elicited CD8 + T cells as well as major CD8 + T cell-based delivery platforms used in recent HIV vaccine clinical trials. RECENT FINDINGS Much progress has been made in improving HIV immunogen design and delivery platforms to optimize CD8 + T cell responses. With regards to viral vectors, recent trials have tested newer chimp and human adenovirus vectors as well as a CMV vector. DNA vaccine immunogenicity has been increased by delivering the vaccines by electroporation and together with adjuvants as well as administering them as part of a heterologous regimen. In preclinical models, self-amplifying RNA vaccines can generate durable tissue-based CD8 + T cells. While it may be beneficial for HIV vaccines to recapitulate the functional and phenotypic features of HIV-specific CD8 + T cells isolated from elite controllers, most of these features are not routinely measured in HIV vaccine clinical trials. SUMMARY Identifying a vaccine capable of generating durable T cell responses that target mutationally vulnerable epitopes and that can rapidly intercept infecting or rebounding virus remains a challenge for HIV. Comprehensive assessment of HIV vaccine-elicited CD8 + T cells, as well as comparisons between different vaccine platforms, will be critical to advance our understanding of how to design better CD8 + T cell-based vaccines for HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina M Borgo
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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Zhu Y, Li X, Chen T, Wang J, Zhou Y, Mu X, Du Y, Wang J, Tang J, Liu J. Personalised neoantigen-based therapy in colorectal cancer. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1461. [PMID: 37921274 PMCID: PMC10623652 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) has become one of the most common tumours with high morbidity, mortality and distinctive evolution mechanism. The neoantigens arising from the somatic mutations have become considerable treatment targets in the management of CRC. As cancer-specific aberrant peptides, neoantigens can trigger the robust host immune response and exert anti-tumour effects while minimising the emergence of adverse events commonly associated with alternative therapeutic regimens. In this review, we summarised the mechanism, generation, identification and prognostic significance of neoantigens, as well as therapeutic strategies challenges of neoantigen-based therapy in CRC. The evidence suggests that the establishment of personalised neoantigen-based therapy holds great promise as an effective treatment approach for patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya‐Juan Zhu
- Department of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiong Li
- Department of GastroenterologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Ting‐Ting Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Jia‐Xiang Wang
- Department of Renal Cancer and MelanomaPeking University Cancer Hospital & InstituteBeijingChina
| | - Yi‐Xin Zhou
- Department of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiao‐Li Mu
- Department of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yang Du
- Department of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Jia‐Ling Wang
- Department of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Jie Tang
- Clinical Trial CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Ji‐Yan Liu
- Department of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
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Din SRU, Saeed S, Khan SU, Arbi FM, Xuefang G, Zhong M. Bacteria-driven cancer therapy: Exploring advancements and challenges. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 191:104141. [PMID: 37742883 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer, a serious fatal disease caused by the uncontrolled growth of cells, is the biggest challenge flagging around medicine and health fields. Conventionally, various treatments-based strategies such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and alternative cancer therapies possess drugs that cannot reach the cancerous tissues and make them toxic to noncancerous cells. Cancer immunotherapy has made outstanding achievements in reducing the chances of cancer. Our considerable attention towards cancer-directed immune responses and the mechanisms behind which immune cells kill cancer cells have progressively been helpful in the advancement of new therapies. Among them, bacteria-based cancer immunotherapy has achieved much more attention due to smart and robust mechanisms in activating the host anti-tumor response. Moreover, bacterial-based therapy can be utilized as a single monotherapy or in combination with multiple anticancer immunotherapies to accelerate productive clinical results. Herein, we comprehensively reviewed recent advancements, challenges, and future perspectives in developing bacterial-based cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Riaz Ud Din
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Sumbul Saeed
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Shahid Ullah Khan
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City and Southwest University, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China; Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; Women Medical and Dental College, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, KPK 22020, Pakistan
| | - Fawad Mueen Arbi
- Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur, Punjab 63100, Pakistan
| | - Guo Xuefang
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Mintao Zhong
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China.
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Malfanti A, Bausart M, Vanvarenberg K, Ucakar B, Préat V. Hyaluronic acid-antigens conjugates trigger potent immune response in both prophylactic and therapeutic immunization in a melanoma model. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:2550-2567. [PMID: 37040031 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01337-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy of advanced melanoma has encountered significant hurdles in terms of clinical efficacy. Here, we designed a clinically translatable hyaluronic acid (HA)-based vaccine delivering a combination of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I- and class II-restricted melanoma antigens (TRP2 and Gp100, respectively) conjugated to HA. HA-nanovaccine (HA-TRP2-Gp100 conjugate) exhibited tropism in the lymph nodes and promoted stimulation of the immune response (2.3-fold higher than the HA+TRP2+Gp100). HA-nanovaccine significantly delayed the growth of B16F10 melanoma and extended survival in both the prophylactic and therapeutic settings (median survival of 22 and 27, respectively, vs 17 days of the untreated group). Moreover, mice prophylactically treated with the HA-nanovaccine displayed significantly higher CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell/Treg ratios in both the spleen and tumor at day 16, suggesting that the HA-nanovaccine overcame the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Superior infiltration of active CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was observed at the endpoint. This study supports the conclusion that HA potentiates the effect of a combination of MHC I and MHC II antigens via a potent immune response against melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Malfanti
- Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, UCLouvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Avenue Mounier 73 B1.73.12, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Mathilde Bausart
- Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, UCLouvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Avenue Mounier 73 B1.73.12, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin Vanvarenberg
- Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, UCLouvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Avenue Mounier 73 B1.73.12, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bernard Ucakar
- Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, UCLouvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Avenue Mounier 73 B1.73.12, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Véronique Préat
- Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, UCLouvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Avenue Mounier 73 B1.73.12, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.
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Godazandeh K, Van Olmen L, Van Oudenhove L, Lefever S, Bogaert C, Fant B. Methods behind neoantigen prediction for personalized anticancer vaccines. Methods Cell Biol 2023; 183:161-186. [PMID: 38548411 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Next to conventional cancer therapies, immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors have broadened the cancer treatment landscape over the past decades. Recent advances in next generation sequencing and bioinformatics technologies have made it possible to identify a patient's own immunogenic neoantigens. These cancer neoantigens serve as important targets for personalized immunotherapy which has the benefit of being more active and effective in targeting cancer cells. This paper is a step-by-step guide discussing the different analyses and challenges encountered during in-silico neoantigen prediction. The protocol describes all the tools and steps required for the identification of immunogenic neoantigens.
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Wang B, Pei J, Xu S, Liu J, Yu J. Recent advances in mRNA cancer vaccines: meeting challenges and embracing opportunities. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1246682. [PMID: 37744371 PMCID: PMC10511650 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1246682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the successful application of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines in preventing COVID-19, researchers have been striving to develop mRNA vaccines for clinical use, including those exploited for anti-tumor therapy. mRNA cancer vaccines have emerged as a promising novel approach to cancer immunotherapy, offering high specificity, better efficacy, and fewer side effects compared to traditional treatments. Multiple therapeutic mRNA cancer vaccines are being evaluated in preclinical and clinical trials, with promising early-phase results. However, the development of these vaccines faces various challenges, such as tumor heterogeneity, an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and practical obstacles like vaccine administration methods and evaluation systems for clinical application. To address these challenges, we highlight recent advances from preclinical studies and clinical trials that provide insight into identifying obstacles associated with mRNA cancer vaccines and discuss potential strategies to overcome them. In the future, it is crucial to approach the development of mRNA cancer vaccines with caution and diligence while promoting innovation to overcome existing barriers. A delicate balance between opportunities and challenges will help guide the progress of this promising field towards its full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolin Wang
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinli Pei
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shengnan Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinming Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Danaeifar M, Negahdari B, Eslam HM, Zare H, Ghanaat M, Koushali SS, Malekshahi ZV. Polymeric nanoparticles for DNA vaccine-based cancer immunotherapy: a review. Biotechnol Lett 2023; 45:1053-1072. [PMID: 37335426 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-023-03383-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death and mortality in the world. There is an essential need to develop new drugs or therapeutic approaches to manage treatment-resistant cancers. Cancer immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses the power of the body's immune system to prevent, control, and eliminate cancer. One of the materials used as a vaccine in immunotherapy is DNA. The application of polymeric nanoparticles as carriers for DNA vaccines could be an effective therapeutic approach to activate immune responses and increase antigen presentation efficiency. Various materials have been used as polymeric nanoparticles, including: chitosan, poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid), Polyethylenimine, dendrimers, polypeptides, and polyesters. Application of these polymer nanoparticles has several advantages, including increased vaccine delivery, enhanced antigen presentation, adjuvant effects, and more sustainable induction of the immune system. Besides many clinical trials and commercial products that were developed based on polymer nanoparticles, there is still a need for more comprehensive studies to increase the DNA vaccine efficiency in cancer immunotherapy using this type of carrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Danaeifar
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Babak Negahdari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Houra Mobaleghol Eslam
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Zare
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cosmetic Products Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Momeneh Ghanaat
- Department of Microbiology, Ayatollah Amoli Branch, Islamic Azad University, Amol, Iran
| | - Sekinehe Shokouhi Koushali
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cosmetic Products Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ziba Veisi Malekshahi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Barrio-Calvo M, Kofoed SV, Holste SC, Sørensen AB, Viborg N, Kringelum JV, Kleine-Kohlbrecher D, Steenmans CS, Thygesen CB, Rønø B, Friis S. Targeting neoantigens to APC-surface molecules improves the immunogenicity and anti-tumor efficacy of a DNA cancer vaccine. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1234912. [PMID: 37720215 PMCID: PMC10499626 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1234912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tumor-specific mutations generate neoepitopes unique to the cancer that can be recognized by the immune system, making them appealing targets for therapeutic cancer vaccines. Since the vast majority of tumor mutations are patient-specific, it is crucial for cancer vaccine designs to be compatible with individualized treatment strategies. Plasmid DNA vaccines have substantiated the immunogenicity and tumor eradication capacity of cancer neoepitopes in preclinical models. Moreover, early clinical trials evaluating personalized neoepitope vaccines have indicated favorable safety profiles and demonstrated their ability to elicit specific immune responses toward the vaccine neoepitopes. Methods By fusing in silico predicted neoepitopes to molecules with affinity for receptors on the surface of APCs, such as chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 19 (CCL19), we designed an APC-targeting cancer vaccine and evaluated their ability to induce T-cell responses and anti-tumor efficacy in the BALB/c syngeneic preclinical tumor model. Results In this study, we demonstrate how the addition of an antigen-presenting cell (APC) binding molecule to DNA-encoded cancer neoepitopes improves neoepitope-specific T-cell responses and the anti-tumor efficacy of plasmid DNA vaccines. Dose-response evaluation and longitudinal analysis of neoepitope-specific T-cell responses indicate that combining APC-binding molecules with the delivery of personalized tumor antigens holds the potential to improve the clinical efficacy of therapeutic DNA cancer vaccines. Discussion Our findings indicate the potential of the APC-targeting strategy to enhance personalized DNA cancer vaccines while acknowledging the need for further research to investigate its molecular mechanism of action and to translate the preclinical results into effective treatments for cancer patients.
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Kaczmarek M, Poznańska J, Fechner F, Michalska N, Paszkowska S, Napierała A, Mackiewicz A. Cancer Vaccine Therapeutics: Limitations and Effectiveness-A Literature Review. Cells 2023; 12:2159. [PMID: 37681891 PMCID: PMC10486481 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in tumor microenvironment-associated cancer vaccine therapies. These innovative treatments aim to activate and enhance the body's natural immune response against cancer cells by utilizing specific antigens present in the tumor microenvironment. The goal is to achieve a complete clinical response, where all measurable cancer cells are either eliminated or greatly reduced in size. With their potential to revolutionize cancer treatment, these therapies represent a promising avenue for researchers and clinicians alike. Despite over 100 years of research, the success of therapeutic cancer vaccines has been variable, particularly in advanced cancer patients, with various limitations, including the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment, the presence of immunosuppressive cells, and the potential for tumor escape mechanisms. Additionally, the effectiveness of these therapies may be limited by the variability of the patient's immune system response and the difficulty in identifying appropriate antigens for each patient. Despite these challenges, tumor microenvironment-targeted vaccine cancer therapies have shown promising results in preclinical and clinical studies and have the potential to become a valuable addition to current cancer treatment and "curative" options. While chemotherapeutic and monoclonal antibody treatments remain popular, ongoing research is needed to optimize the design and delivery of these therapies and to identify biomarkers that can predict response and guide patient selection. This comprehensive review explores the mechanisms of cancer vaccines, various delivery methods, and the role of adjuvants in improving treatment outcomes. It also discusses the historical background of cancer vaccine research and examines the current state of major cancer vaccination immunotherapies. Furthermore, the limitations and effectiveness of each vaccine type are analyzed, providing insights into the future of cancer vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariusz Kaczmarek
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-866 Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, 61-866 Poznań, Poland
| | - Justyna Poznańska
- Scientific Society of Cancer Immunology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 61-866 Poznań, Poland; (J.P.)
| | - Filip Fechner
- Scientific Society of Cancer Immunology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 61-866 Poznań, Poland; (J.P.)
| | - Natasza Michalska
- Scientific Society of Cancer Immunology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 61-866 Poznań, Poland; (J.P.)
| | - Sara Paszkowska
- Scientific Society of Cancer Immunology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 61-866 Poznań, Poland; (J.P.)
| | - Adrianna Napierała
- Scientific Society of Cancer Immunology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 61-866 Poznań, Poland; (J.P.)
| | - Andrzej Mackiewicz
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-866 Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, 61-866 Poznań, Poland
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Yao M, Liu X, Qian Z, Fan D, Sun X, Zhong L, Wu P. Research progress of nanovaccine in anti-tumor immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1211262. [PMID: 37692854 PMCID: PMC10484753 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1211262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor vaccines aim to activate dormant or unresponsive tumor-specific T lymphocytes by using tumor-specific or tumor-associated antigens, thus enhancing the body's natural defense against cancer. However, the effectiveness of tumor vaccines is limited by the presence of tumor heterogeneity, low immunogenicity, and immune evasion mechanisms. Fortunately, multifunctional nanoparticles offer a unique chance to address these issues. With the advantages of their small size, high stability, efficient drug delivery, and controlled surface chemistry, nanomaterials can precisely target tumor sites, improve the delivery of tumor antigens and immune adjuvants, reshape the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and enhance the body's anti-tumor immune response, resulting in improved efficacy and reduced side effects. Nanovaccine, a type of vaccine that uses nanotechnology to deliver antigens and adjuvants to immune cells, has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy due to its ability to stimulate immune responses and induce tumor-specific immunity. In this review, we discussed the compositions and types of nanovaccine, and the mechanisms behind their anti-tumor effects based on the latest research. We hope that this will provide a more scientific basis for designing tumor vaccines and enhancing the effectiveness of tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhangbo Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Dianfa Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xinjun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Liping Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Pan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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Ruzzi F, Semprini MS, Scalambra L, Palladini A, Angelicola S, Cappello C, Pittino OM, Nanni P, Lollini PL. Virus-like Particle (VLP) Vaccines for Cancer Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12963. [PMID: 37629147 PMCID: PMC10454695 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer vaccines are increasingly being studied as a possible strategy to prevent and treat cancers. While several prophylactic vaccines for virus-caused cancers are approved and efficiently used worldwide, the development of therapeutic cancer vaccines needs to be further implemented. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are self-assembled protein structures that mimic native viruses or bacteriophages but lack the replicative material. VLP platforms are designed to display single or multiple antigens with a high-density pattern, which can trigger both cellular and humoral responses. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of preventive VLP-based vaccines currently approved worldwide against HBV and HPV infections or under evaluation to prevent virus-caused cancers. Furthermore, preclinical and early clinical data on prophylactic and therapeutic VLP-based cancer vaccines were summarized with a focus on HER-2-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ruzzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Maria Sofia Semprini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Laura Scalambra
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Arianna Palladini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Stefania Angelicola
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Chiara Cappello
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Olga Maria Pittino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Patrizia Nanni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Pier-Luigi Lollini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
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