Analysis of the in vivo proliferative capacity of a whole cell cancer vaccine

Tumor Vaccines: Unleashing the Power of the Immune System to Fight Cancer

This comprehensive review delves into the rapidly evolving arena of cancer vaccines. Initially, we examine the intricate constitution of the tumor microenvironment (TME), a dynamic factor that significantly influences tumor heterogeneity. Current research trends focusing on harnessing the TME for effective tumor vaccine treatments are also discussed. We then provide a detailed overview of the current state of research concerning tumor immunity and the mechanisms of tumor vaccines, describing the complex immunological processes involved. Furthermore, we conduct an exhaustive analysis of the contemporary research landscape of tumor vaccines, with a particular focus on peptide vaccines, DNA/RNA-based vaccines, viral-vector-based vaccines, dendritic-cell-based vaccines, and whole-cell-based vaccines. We analyze and summarize these categories of tumor vaccines, highlighting their individual advantages, limitations, and the factors influencing their effectiveness. In our survey of each category, we summarize commonly used tumor vaccines, aiming to provide readers with a more comprehensive understanding of the current state of tumor vaccine research. We then delve into an innovative strategy combining cancer vaccines with other therapies. By studying the effects of combining tumor vaccines with immune checkpoint inhibitors, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and oncolytic virotherapy, we establish that this approach can enhance overall treatment efficacy and offset the limitations of single-treatment approaches, offering patients more effective treatment options. Following this, we undertake a meticulous analysis of the entire process of personalized cancer vaccines, elucidating the intricate process from design, through research and production, to clinical application, thus helping readers gain a thorough understanding of its complexities. In conclusion, our exploration of tumor vaccines in this review aims to highlight their promising potential in cancer treatment. As research in this field continues to evolve, it undeniably holds immense promise for improving cancer patient outcomes.

Application of microneedles combined with dendritic cell-targeted nanovaccine delivery system in percutaneous immunotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer

This work aims at developing a strategy to activate the antigen-presenting cells to enhance the effect of immunotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) through the dissolving microneedle patch (DMNP). In present study, mannosylated chitosan (MCS) nanoparticles (NPs) were designed to target dendritic cells (DCs), and the immunotherapy effect was enhanced by the adjuvant Bacillus Calmette-Guerin polysaccharide (BCG-PSN), achieving the purpose of transdermal immunotherapy for TNBC. Vaccination studies with mice demonstrated that MCS NPs effectively induce DCs maturation in the tumor-draining lymph nodes to stimulate strong immune responses in TNBC. Overall, chitosan-based DMNPs with complex adjuvant constituted a new potent transdermal vaccine delivery platform capable of exploiting more DCs in the skin for effective immunization.

Putting into Perspective the Future of Cancer Vaccines: Targeted Immunotherapy

Pre-clinical models and human clinical trials have confirmed the ability of cancer vaccines to induce immune responses that are tumour-specific and, in some cases, associated with clinical response. However, cancer vaccines as a targeted immunotherapy strategy have not yet come of age. So, why the discordance after so much research has been invested in cancer vaccines? There are several reasons for this that include: limited tumour immunogenicity (limited targeted antigen expression, antigen tolerance); antigenic heterogeneity in tumours; heterogeneity of individual immune responses; multiple mechanisms associated with suppressed functional activity of immune effector cells, the underlying rationale for the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors; and immune system exhaustion. The success of checkpoint therapy has refocussed investigations into defining relationships between tumours and host immune systems, appreciating the mechanisms by which tumour cells escape immune surveillance and reinforcing recognition of the potential of vaccines in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Recent developments in cancer immunotherapies, together with associated technologies, for instance, the unparalleled achievements by immune checkpoint inhibitors and neo-antigen identification tools, may foster potential improvements in cancer vaccines for the treatment of malignancies.