In vivo targeting of antigens to human dendritic cells through DC-SIGN elicits stimulatory immune responses and inhibits tumor growth in grafted mouse models

Peptide-Based Cancer Vaccine Delivery via the STINGΔTM-cGAMP Complex

With the advent of bioinformatic tools in efficiently predicting neo-antigens, peptide vaccines have gained tremendous attention in cancer immunotherapy. However, the delivery of peptide vaccines remains a major challenge, primarily due to ineffective transport to lymph nodes and low immunogenicity. Here, a strategy for peptide vaccine delivery is reported by first fusing the peptide to the cytosolic domain of the stimulator of interferon genes protein (STINGΔTM), then complexing the peptide-STINGΔTM protein with STING agonist 2'3' cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP). The process results in the formation of self-assembled cGAMP-peptide-STINGΔTM tetramers, which enables efficient lymphatic trafficking of the peptide. Moreover, the cGAMP-STINGΔTM complex acts not only as a protein carrier for the peptide, but also as a potent adjuvant capable of triggering STING signaling independent of endogenous STING protein-an especially important attribute considering that certain cancer cells epigenetically silence their endogenous STING expression. With model antigen SIINFEKL, it is demonstrated that the platform elicits effective STING signaling in vitro, draining lymph node targeting in vivo, effective T cell priming in vivo as well as antitumoral immune response in a mouse colon carcinoma model, providing a versatile solution to the challenges faced in peptide vaccine delivery.

STxB as an Antigen Delivery Tool for Mucosal Vaccination

Immunotherapy against cancer and infectious disease holds the promise of high efficacy with minor side effects. Mucosal vaccines to protect against tumors or infections disease agents that affect the upper airways or the lung are still lacking, however. One mucosal vaccine candidate is the B-subunit of Shiga toxin, STxB. In this review, we compare STxB to other immunotherapy vectors. STxB is a non-toxic protein that binds to a glycosylated lipid, termed globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), which is preferentially expressed by dendritic cells. We review the use of STxB for the cross-presentation of tumor or viral antigens in a MHC class I-restricted manner to induce humoral immunity against these antigens in addition to polyfunctional and persistent CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T lymphocytes capable of protecting against viral infection or tumor growth. Other literature will be summarized that documents a powerful induction of mucosal IgA and resident memory CD8⁺ T cells against mucosal tumors specifically when STxB-antigen conjugates are administered via the nasal route. It will also be pointed out how STxB-based vaccines have been shown in preclinical cancer models to synergize with other therapeutic modalities (immune checkpoint inhibitors, anti-angiogenic therapy, radiotherapy). Finally, we will discuss how molecular aspects such as low immunogenicity, cross-species conservation of Gb3 expression, and lack of toxicity contribute to the competitive positioning of STxB among the different DC targeting approaches. STxB thereby appears as an original and innovative tool for the development of mucosal vaccines in infectious diseases and cancer.

Glycan-Lectin Interactions in Cancer and Viral Infections and How to Disrupt Them

Glycan-lectin interactions play an essential role in different cellular processes. One of their main functions is involvement in the immune response to pathogens or inflammation. However, cancer cells and viruses have adapted to avail themselves of these interactions. By displaying specific glycosylation structures, they are able to bind to lectins, thus promoting pathogenesis. While glycan-lectin interactions promote tumor progression, metastasis, and/or chemoresistance in cancer, in viral infections they are important for viral entry, release, and/or immune escape. For several years now, a growing number of investigations have been devoted to clarifying the role of glycan-lectin interactions in cancer and viral infections. Various overviews have already summarized and highlighted their findings. In this review, we consider the interactions of the lectins MGL, DC-SIGN, selectins, and galectins in both cancer and viral infections together. A possible transfer of ways to target and disrupt them might lead to new therapeutic approaches in different pathological backgrounds.

Characterization of a Nanovaccine Platform Based on an α1,2-Mannobiose Derivative Shows Species-non-specific Targeting to Human, Bovine, Mouse, and Teleost Fish Dendritic Cells

Dendritic cells serve as the main immune cells that trigger the immune response. We developed a simple and cost-effective nanovaccine platform based on the α1',2-mannobiose derivative for dendritic cell targeting. In previous work, we have formulated the α1,2-mannobiose-based nanovaccine platform with plasmid DNA and tested it in cattle against BoHV-1 infection. There, we have shown that the dendritic cell targeting using this nanovaccine platform in vivo can boost the immunogenicity, resulting in a long-lasting immunity. In this work, we aim to characterize the α1',2-mannobiose derivative, which is key in the nanovaccine platform. This DC-targeting strategy takes advantage of the specific receptor known as DC-SIGN and exploits its capacity to bind α1,2-mannobiose that is present at terminal ends of oligosaccharides in certain viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. The oxidative conjugation of α1',2-mannobiose to NH₂-PEG_2kDa-DSPE allowed us to preserve the chemical structure of the non-reducing mannose of the disaccharide and the OH groups and the stereochemistry of all carbons of the reducing mannose involved in the binding to DC-SIGN. Here, we show specific targeting to DC-SIGN of decorated micelles incubated with the Raji/DC-SIGN cell line and uptake of targeted liposomes that took place in human, bovine, mouse, and teleost fish DCs in vitro, by flow cytometry. Specific targeting was found in all cultures, demonstrating a species-non-specific avidity for this ligand, which opens up the possibility of using this nanoplatform to develop new vaccines for various species, including humans.

Therapeutic cancer vaccine therapy for acute myeloid leukemia

Antitumor function of the immune system has been harnessed to eradicate tumor cells as cancer therapy. Therapeutic cancer vaccines aim to help immune cells recognize tumor cells, which are difficult to target owing to immune escape. Many attempts at vaccine designs have been conducted throughout the last decades. In addition, as the advanced understanding of immunosuppressive mechanisms mediated by tumor cells, combining cancer vaccines with other immune therapies seems to be more efficient for cancer treatment. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults with poor prognosis. Evidence has shown T-cell-mediated immune responses in AML, which encourages the utility of immune therapies in AML. This review discusses cancer vaccines in AML from vaccine design as well as recent progress in vaccination combination with other immune therapies.

Bivalent therapeutic vaccine against HPV16/18 genotypes consisting of a fusion protein between the extra domain A from human fibronectin and HPV16/18 E7 viral antigens

Background

In vivo targeting of human papillomavirus (HPV) derived antigens to dendritic cells might constitute an efficient immunotherapeutic strategy against cervical cancer. In previous works, we have shown that the extra domain A from murine fibronectin (mEDA) can be used to target antigens to toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expressing dendritic cells and induce strong antigen-specific immune responses. In the present study, we have produced a bivalent therapeutic vaccine candidate consisting of the human EDA (hEDA) fused to E7 proteins from HPV16 and HPV18 (hEDA-HPVE7-16/18) and evaluate its potential as a therapeutic vaccine against cervical cancer.

Materials and methods

Recombinant fusion proteins containing HPV E7 proteins from HPV16 and HPV18 virus subtypes fused to hEDA were produced and tested in vitro on their capacity to bind TLR4 and induce the production of tumor necrosis factor-α or interleukin (IL)-12 by human monocytes and dendritic cells. The immunogenicity and potential therapeutic activity of the vaccine in combination with cisplatin or with the TLR3 agonist molecules polyinosinic‐polycytidylic acid (Poly IC) or Poly ICLC was evaluated in mice bearing subcutaneous or genital orthotopic HPV16 TC-1 tumors.

Results

hEDA-HPVE7-16/18 prototype vaccine binds human TLR4 and stimulate TLR4-dependent signaling pathways and IL-12 production by human monocyte-derived dendritic cell. Vaccination with hEDA-HPVE7-16/18 induced strong HPVE7-specific Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses and eliminated established tumors in the TC-1-based tumor model. The antitumor efficacy was significantly improved by combining the fusion protein with cisplatin or with the TLR-3 ligand Poly IC and especially with the stabilized analog Poly ICLC. Moreover, hEDA-HPVE7-16/18+Poly ICLC induced full tumor regression in 100% of mice bearing orthotopic genital HPV tumors.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that this therapeutic vaccine formulation may be an effective treatment for cervical tumors that do not respond to current therapies.

CLEC10A is a prognostic biomarker and correlated with clinical pathologic features and immune infiltrates in lung adenocarcinoma

CLEC10A, (C-type lectin domain family 10, member A), as the member of C-type lectin receptors (CLRs), plays a vital role in modulating innate immunity and adaptive immunity and has shown great potential as an immunotherapy target for cancers. However, there is no functional research of CLEC10A in prognostic risk, immunotherapy or any other treatment of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). We performed bioinformatics analysis on LUAD data downloaded from TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) and GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus), and jointly analysed with online databases such as HPA, LinkedOmics, TIMER, ESTIMATE and TISIDB. We found that lower expression of CLEC10A was accompanied with worse outcomes of LUAD patients. Moreover, CLEC10A expression was significantly correlated with a variety of the tumour-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs). As a promising prognosis predictor and potential immunotherapy target, the potential influence and mechanisms of CLEC10A in LUAD deserve further exploring.

Advances in Oral Subunit Vaccine Design

Many pathogens invade the host at the intestinal surface. To protect against these enteropathogens, the induction of intestinal secretory IgA (SIgA) responses is paramount. While systemic vaccination provides strong systemic immune responses, oral vaccination is the most efficient way to trigger protective SIgA responses. However, the development of oral vaccines, especially oral subunit vaccines, is challenging due to mechanisms inherent to the gut. Oral vaccines need to survive the harsh environment in the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by low pH and intestinal proteases and need to reach the gut-associated lymphoid tissues, which are protected by chemical and physical barriers that prevent efficient uptake. Furthermore, they need to surmount default tolerogenic responses present in the gut, resulting in suppression of immunity or tolerance. Several strategies have been developed to tackle these hurdles, such as delivery systems that protect vaccine antigens from degradation, strong mucosal adjuvants that induce robust immune responses and targeting approaches that aim to selectively deliver vaccine antigens towards specific immune cell populations. In this review, we discuss recent advances in oral vaccine design to enable the induction of robust gut immunity and highlight that the development of next generation oral subunit vaccines will require approaches that combines these solutions.

Pharmacokinetic tuning of protein-antigen fusions enhances the immunogenicity of T-cell vaccines

The formulations of peptide-based antitumour vaccines being tested in clinical studies are generally associated with weak potency. Here, we show that pharmacokinetically tuning the responses of peptide vaccines by fusing the peptide epitopes to carrier proteins optimizes vaccine immunogenicity in mice. In particular, we show in immunized mice that the carrier protein transthyretin simultaneously optimizes three factors: efficient antigen uptake in draining lymphatics from the site of injection, protection of antigen payloads from proteolytic degradation and reduction of antigen presentation in uninflamed distal lymphoid organs. Optimizing these factors increases vaccine immunogenicity by up to 90-fold and maximizes the responses to viral antigens, tumour-associated antigens, oncofetal antigens and shared neoantigens. Protein-peptide epitope fusions represent a facile and generalizable strategy for enhancing the T-cell responses elicited by subunit vaccines.

Nanoparticle mediated cancer immunotherapy

The versatility and nanoscale size have helped nanoparticles (NPs) improve the efficacy of conventional cancer immunotherapy and opened up exciting approaches to combat cancer. This review first outlines the tumor immune evasion and the defensive tumor microenvironment (TME) that hinders the activity of host immune system against tumor. Then, a detailed description on how the NP based strategies have helped improve the efficacy of conventional cancer vaccines and overcome the obstacles led by TME. Sustained and controlled drug delivery, enhanced cross presentation by immune cells, co-encapsulation of adjuvants, inhibition of immune checkpoints and intrinsic adjuvant like properties have aided NPs to improve the therapeutic efficacy of cancer vaccines. Also, NPs have been efficient modulators of TME. In this context, NPs facilitate better penetration of the chemotherapeutic drug by dissolution of the inhibitory meshwork formed by tumor associated cells, blood vessels, soluble mediators and extra cellular matrix in TME. NPs achieve this by suppression, modulation, or reprogramming of the immune cells and other mediators localised in TME. This review further summarizes the applications of NPs used to enhance the efficacy of cancer vaccines and modulate the TME to improve cancer immunotherapy. Finally, the hurdles faced in commercialization and translation to clinic have been discussed and intriguingly, NPs owe great potential to emerge as clinical formulations for cancer immunotherapy in near future.

Decellularized Lymph Node Scaffolding as a Carrier for Dendritic Cells to Induce Anti-Tumor Immunity

In recent decades, the decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) has shown potential as a promising scaffold for tissue regeneration. In this study, an organic acid decellularized lymph node (dLN) was developed as a carrier for dendritic cells (DCs) to induce antitumor immunity. The dLNs were prepared by formic acid, acetic acid, or citric acid treatment. The results showed highly efficient removal of cell debris from the lymph node and great preservation of ECM architecture and biomolecules. In addition, bone marrow dendritic cells (BMDCs) grown preferably inside the dLN displayed the maturation markers CD80, CD86, and major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-II, and they produced high levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-12 cytokines when stimulated with ovalbumin (OVA) and CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CPG-ODN). In an animal model, the BMDC-dLN completely rejected the E.G7-OVA tumor. Furthermore, the splenocytes from BMDC-dLN-immunized mice produced more interferon gamma, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-2, and they had a higher proliferation rate than other groups when re-stimulated with OVA. Hence, BMDC-dLN could be a promising DC-based scaffold for in vivo delivery to induce potent antitumor immunity.

Biomaterial-based platforms for in situ dendritic cell programming and their use in antitumor immunotherapy

Dendritic cells (DCs) are central players in the immune system, with an exquisite capacity to initiate and modulate immune responses. These functional characteristics have led to intense research on the development of DC-based immunotherapies, particularly for oncologic diseases. During recent decades, DC-based vaccines have generated very promising results in animal studies, and more than 300 clinical assays have demonstrated the safety profile of this approach. However, clinical data are inconsistent, and clear evidence of meaningful efficacy is still lacking. One of the reasons for this lack of evidence is the limited functional abilities of the used ex vivo-differentiated DCs. Therefore, alternative approaches for targeting and modulating endogenous DC subpopulations have emerged as an attractive concept. Here, we sought to revise the evolution of several strategies for the in situ mobilization and modulation of DCs. The first approaches using chemokine-secreting irradiated tumor cells are addressed, and special attention is given to the cutting-edge injectable bioengineered platforms, programmed to release chemoattractants, tumor antigens and DC maturating agents. Finally, we discuss how our increasing knowledge of DC biology, the use of neoantigens and their combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors can leverage the refinement of these polymeric vaccines to boost their antitumor efficacy.

ICAM3-Fc Outperforms Receptor-Specific Antibodies Targeted Nanoparticles to Dendritic Cells for Cross-Presentation

Optimal targeting of nanoparticles (NP) to dendritic cells (DCs) receptors to deliver cancer-specific antigens is key to the efficient induction of anti-tumour immune responses. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles containing tètanus toxoid and gp100 melanoma-associated antigen, toll-like receptor adjuvants were targeted to the DC-SIGN receptor in DCs by specific humanized antibodies or by ICAM3-Fc fusion proteins, which acts as the natural ligand. Despite higher binding and uptake efficacy of anti-DC-SIGN antibody-targeted NP vaccines than ICAM3-Fc ligand, no difference were observed in DC activation markers CD80, CD83, CD86 and CCR7 induced. DCs loaded with NP coated with ICAM3-Fc appeared more potent in activating T cells via cross-presentation than antibody-coated NP vaccines. This fact could be very crucial in the design of new cancer vaccines.

Use of Dendritic Cell Receptors as Targets for Enhancing Anti-Cancer Immune Responses

A successful anti-cancer vaccine construct depends on its ability to induce humoral and cellular immunity against a specific antigen. Targeting receptors of dendritic cells to promote the loading of cancer antigen through an antibody-mediated antigen uptake mechanism is a promising strategy in cancer immunotherapy. Researchers have been targeting different dendritic cell receptors such as Fc receptors (FcR), various C-type lectin-like receptors such as dendritic and thymic epithelial cell-205 (DEC-205), dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN), and Dectin-1 to enhance the uptake process and subsequent presentation of antigen to T cells through major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. In this review, we compare different subtypes of dendritic cells, current knowledge on some important receptors of dendritic cells, and recent articles on targeting those receptors for anti-cancer immune responses in mouse models.

TLR9-mediated activation of dendritic cells by CD32 targeting for the generation of highly immunostimulatory vaccines

The rational for designing dendritic cell (DC)-targeted immunotherapies is their central role in orchestrating immunity. Most studies addressing antigen-targeting to DCs for eliciting T cell responses have employed ex-vivo matured DCs derived from monocytes or myeloid DCs isolated from peripheral blood. More recently, also plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) emerged as attractive targets that can be readily isolated and activated ex vivo. pDCs are known as key effectors of innate and adaptive immunity due to their exquisite ability to produce large amounts of type-1 interferons upon signaling via TLR7 or TLR9 intracellular receptor for viral RNA or bacterial DNA, respectively. In this study, we describe and characterize the immune modulating and targeting module of a composite human specific vaccine platform for active immunotherapy. This module, called warhead (WH), is composed of a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) and CpG-C type oligonucleotides (ODNs) that are covalently coupled. The scFv mediates specific binding to FcγRII/CD32 on APCs and internalization of the ODNs which stimulate TLR9-expressing B cells and pDCs. Furthermore, the scFv in the WH is extended with a five-time heptad repeat (EVSALEK) alpha helix which allows for a coiled-coil complex formation with any immunogen also extended with another five-time heptad (KVSALKE) repeat. WH elicits fast and robust pDC activation as evidenced by the release of interferon-α, TNF-α and IL-6. The WH thus takes advantage of the key features of human pDCs for immunostimulation and can be a versatile tool for antigen-specific vaccination with a variety of proteins or peptides.

Phase I trial of Lipovaxin-MM, a novel dendritic cell-targeted liposomal vaccine for malignant melanoma

INTRODUCTION

In this phase I study using a 3 + 3 dose escalation design, the safety, dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), immunogenicity and efficacy of intravenous Lipovaxin-MM-a multi-component dendritic cell-targeted liposomal vaccine against metastatic melanoma-was investigated.

METHODS

Twelve subjects with metastatic cutaneous melanoma were recruited in three cohorts. Patients in Cohort A (n = 3) and Cohort B (n = 3) received three doses of 0.1 and 1 mL of Lipovaxin-MM, respectively, every 4 weeks. Patients in Cohort C (n = 6) received four doses of 3 mL vaccine weekly. Immunologic assessments of peripheral blood were made at regular intervals and included leukocyte subsets, cytokine levels, and Lipovaxin-MM-specific T-cell and antibody reactivities. Tumor responses were assessed by RECIST v1.0 at screening, then 8 weekly in Cohorts A and B and 6 weekly in Cohort C.

RESULTS

Of a total of 94 adverse events (AEs) reported in ten subjects, 43 AEs in six subjects were considered to be possibly or probably vaccine-related. Most (95%) vaccine-related AEs were grade 1 or 2, two (5%) grade 3 vaccine-related AEs of anemia and lethargy were recorded, and higher grade AEs and DLTs were not observed. No consistent evidence of vaccine-specific humoral or cellular immune responses was found in post-immunization blood samples. One patient had a partial response, two patients had stable disease, and the remaining patients had progressive disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Lipovaxin-MM was well tolerated and without clinically significant toxicity. Immunogenicity of Lipovaxin-MM was not detected. Partial response and stable disease were observed in one and two patients, respectively.

N-glycosylation converts non-glycoproteins into mannose receptor ligands and reveals antigen-specific T cell responses in vivo

N-glycosylation is generally accepted to enhance the immunogenicity of antigens because of two main reasons. First, the attachment of glycans enables recognition by endocytic receptors like the mannose receptor (MR) and hence increased uptake by dendritic cells (DCs). Second, foreign glycans are postulated to be immunostimulatory and their recognition could induce DC activation. However, a direct comparison between the immunogenicity of N-glycosylated vs. de-glycosylated proteins in vivo and a direct effect of N-glycosylated antigens on the intrinsic capacity of DCs to activate T cells have not been assessed so far.To analyze whether enforced N-glycosylation is a suited strategy to enhance the immunogenicity of non-glycosylated antigens for vaccination studies, we targeted non-glycoproteins towards the MR by introduction of artificial N-glycosylation using the methylotrophic yeast Komagataella phaffii (previously termed Pichia pastoris). We could demonstrate that the introduction of a single N-X-S/T motif was sufficient for efficient MR-binding and internalization. However, addition of N-glycosylated proteins neither influenced DC maturation nor their general capacity to activate T cells, pointing out that enforced N-glycosylation does not increase the immunogenicity of the antigen per se. Additionally, increased antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell responses in vivo after injection of N-glycosylated compared to de-glycosylated proteins were observed but this effect strongly depended on the epitope tested. A beneficial effect of N-glycosylation on antibody production could not be detected, which might be due to MR-cross-linking on DCs and to concomitant differences in IL-6 production by CD4+ T cells.These observations point out that the effect of N-glycosylation on antigen immunogenicity can vary between different antigens and therefore might have important implications for the development of vaccines using K. phaffii.

Targeting C-type lectin receptors: a high-carbohydrate diet for dendritic cells to improve cancer vaccines

There is a growing understanding of why certain patients do or do not respond to checkpoint inhibition therapy. This opens new opportunities to reconsider and redevelop vaccine strategies to prime an anticancer immune response. Combination of such vaccines with checkpoint inhibitors will both provide the fuel and release the brake for an efficient anticancer response. Here, we discuss vaccine strategies that use C-type lectin receptor (CLR) targeting of APCs, such as dendritic cells and macrophages. APCs are a necessity for the priming of antigen-specific cytotoxic and helper T cells. Because CLRs are natural carbohydrate-recognition receptors highly expressed by multiple subsets of APCs and involved in uptake and processing of Ags for presentation, these receptors seem particularly interesting for targeting purposes.

Nanomaterials for cancer immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy is quickly growing to be the fourth most important cancer therapy, after surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Immunotherapy is the most promising cancer management strategy because it orchestrates the body's own immune system to target and eradicate cancer cells, which may result in durable antitumor responses and reduce metastasis and recurrence more than traditional treatments. Nanomaterials hold great promise in further improving the efficiency of cancer immunotherapy - in many cases, they are even necessary for effective delivery. In this review, we briefly summarize the basic principles of cancer immunotherapy and explain why and where to apply nanomaterials in cancer immunotherapy, with special emphasis on cancer vaccines and tumor microenvironment modulation.

Next-generation dendritic cell-based vaccines for leukemia patients

Up to today treatment of leukemia patients remains challenging and different therapies have been developed, among them the generation of dendritic cell (DC) vaccines. DCs, highly specific for immunogenic cancer antigens, are generated either ex vivo or in vivo and boost the immune response against leukemic cells. Nevertheless, response rates are still heterogeneous and DC vaccines need improvement. New methods for generating DC vaccines have been summed up under the term 'next-generation DC vaccines'. They range from the analysis of human leukocyte antigen-ligandomes to immunogenic cell death inducers, from the production of viral vectors to mRNA transfection and finally from delivering peptides to DCs in vivo through either antibodies or cell-penetrating peptides. This review gives an overview of the latest developments in this still evolving field.

Enhanced immunity and antiviral effects of an HBV DNA vaccine delivered by a DC-targeting protein

DNA vaccine targeting delivery to DC represents one effective strategy to improve the immunogenicity of the vaccine. In a previous study, we developed a novel DC-targeting recombinant protein that can deliver plasmid DNA to DCs by an electrostatic coupling effect and can thus improve the uptake efficiency of DCs, improving the expression of plasmid DNA in DCs. In this study, we coupled the protein with the HBV DNA vaccine pSVK-HBVA and investigated whether the immunogenicity and antiviral ability of the vaccine can be improved in HBV transgenic mice. The results show that a stronger specific immune response can be induced in mice after immunization with the coupling vaccine. The HBV DNA copy number and circulating antigen HBsAg in the serum of HBV transgenic mice were significantly decreased. Therefore, this study has demonstrated that the DC-targeting protein has the ability to improve the immunogenicity and the antiviral activity of the HBV DNA vaccine pSVK-HBVA. These findings indicate that this DC-targeting protein can be a potential method for the delivery of DNA vaccines directly to DCs.

Progress of dendritic cell-based cancer vaccines for patients with hematological malignancies

INTRODUCTION

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most professional antigen-presenting cells eliciting cellular and humoral immune responses against cancer cells by expressing these antigens on MHC class I/II complexes to T cells. Therefore, they have been employed in many clinical trials as cancer vaccines for patients with cancer. This review focuses on the use of DCs in leukemia patients expressing leukemia-associated antigens (LAAs).

AREAS COVERED

The contribution of both stimulating vs. tolerogenic DCs as well as of other factors to the milieu of anti-leukemia immune responses are discussed. Several DC vaccination strategies like leukemia lysate, proteins and peptides have been developed. Next generation DC vaccines comprise transduction of DCs with retroviral vectors encoding for LAAs, cytokines and costimulatory molecules as well as transfection of DCs with naked RNA encoding for LAAs. Published as well as ongoing clinical trials are reported and critically reviewed.

EXPERT OPINION

Future results will demonstrate whether next-generation DCs are really superior to conventional pulsing with peptide, protein or tumor lysate. However, currently available methods based on nucleic acid transfection/transduction are tempting in terms of material production costs and time for clinical application according to good manufacturing practice (GMP).

Direct Delivery of Antigens to Dendritic Cells via Antibodies Specific for Endocytic Receptors as a Promising Strategy for Future Therapies

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent professional antigen presenting cells and are therefore indispensable for the control of immunity. The technique of antibody mediated antigen targeting to DC subsets has been the basis of intense research for more than a decade. Many murine studies have utilized this approach of antigen delivery to various kinds of endocytic receptors of DCs both in vitro and in vivo. Today, it is widely accepted that different DC subsets are important for the induction of select immune responses. Nevertheless, many questions still remain to be answered, such as the actual influence of the targeted receptor on the initiation of the immune response to the delivered antigen. Further efforts to better understand the induction of antigen-specific immune responses will support the transfer of this knowledge into novel treatment strategies for human diseases. In this review, we will discuss the state-of-the-art aspects of the basic principles of antibody mediated antigen targeting approaches. A table will also provide a broad overview of the latest studies using antigen targeting including addressed DC subset, targeted receptors, outcome, and applied coupling techniques.

Pros and Cons of Antigen-Presenting Cell Targeted Tumor Vaccines

In therapeutic antitumor vaccination, dendritic cells play the leading role since they decide if, how, when, and where a potent antitumor immune response will take place. Since the disentanglement of the complexity and merit of different antigen-presenting cell subtypes, antitumor immunotherapeutic research started to investigate the potential benefit of targeting these subtypes in situ. This review will discuss which antigen-presenting cell subtypes are at play and how they have been targeted and finally question the true meaning of targeting antitumor-based vaccines.

Targeting C-Type Lectin Receptors for Cancer Immunity

C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) are a large family of soluble and trans-membrane pattern recognition receptors that are widely and primarily expressed on myeloid cells. CLRs are important for cell-cell communication and host defense against pathogens through the recognition of specific carbohydrate structures. Similar to a family of Toll-like receptors, CLRs signaling are involved in the various steps for initiation of innate immune responses and promote secretion of soluble factors such as cytokines and interferons. Moreover, CLRs contribute to endocytosis and antigen presentation, thereby fine-tune adaptive immune responses. In addition, there may also be a direct activation of acquired immunity. On the other hand, glycans, such as mannose structures, Lewis-type antigens, or GalNAc are components of tumor antigens and ligate CLRs, leading to immunoregulation. Therefore, agonists or antagonists of CLRs signaling are potential therapeutic reagents for cancer immunotherapy. We aim to overview the current knowledge of CLRs signaling and the application of their ligands on tumor-associating immune response.

MPLA incorporation into DC-targeting glycoliposomes favours anti-tumour T cell responses

Dendritic cells (DC) are attractive targets for cancer immunotherapy as they initiate strong and long-lived tumour-specific T cell responses. DC can be effectively targeted in vivo with tumour antigens by using nanocarriers such as liposomes. Cross-presentation of tumour antigens is enhanced with strong adjuvants such as TLR ligands. However, often these adjuvants have off-target effects, and would benefit from a DC-specific targeting strategy, similar to the tumour antigen. The goal of this study was to develop a strategy for specifically targeting DC with tumour antigen and adjuvant by using glycoliposomes. We have generated liposomes containing the glycan Lewis(Le)(X) which is highly specific for the C-type lectin receptor DC-SIGN expressed by DC. Le(X)-modified liposomes were taken up by human monocyte-derived DC in a DC-SIGN-specific manner. As adjuvants we incorporated the TLR ligands Pam3CySK4, Poly I:C, MPLA and R848 into liposomes and compared their adjuvant capacity on DC. Incorporation of the TLR4 ligand MPLA into glycoliposomes induced DC maturation and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, in a DC-SIGN-specific manner, and DC activation was comparable to administration of soluble MPLA. Incorporation of MPLA into glycoliposomes significantly enhanced antigen cross-presentation of the melanoma tumour antigen gp100280-288 peptide to CD8(+) T cells compared to non-glycosylated MPLA liposomes. Importantly, antigen cross-presentation of the gp100280-288 peptide was significantly higher using MPLA glycoliposomes compared to the co-administration of soluble MPLA with glycoliposomes. Taken together, our data demonstrates that specific targeting of a gp100 tumour antigen and the adjuvant MPLA to DC-SIGN-expressing DC enhances the uptake of peptide-containing liposomes, the activation of DC, and induces tumour antigen-specific CD8(+) T cell responses. These data demonstrate that adjuvant-containing glycoliposome-based vaccines targeting DC-SIGN(+) DC represent a powerful new approach for CD8(+) T cell activation.

Design, expression, and characterization of a novel dendritic cell-targeted proteins

In vivo approaches to inducing an effective immune response focus on targeted antigen (Ag) delivery to dendritic cells (DCs). In this study, we developed a new method of targeting plasmid DNA and/or the antigen (Ag)-antibody (Ab) complex to DCs via the DC receptor DEC-205, also known as cluster of differentiation CD205. We cloned and expressed a recombinant protein composed of mouse DEC-205-specific single-chain fragment variable region (mDEC-205-scFv), the streptococcal protein G (SPG) IgG-binding domain and cationic peptide (CP), which named mDEC205-scFv-SPG-CP (msSC). In vitro, the recombinant protein msSC can specifically bind to DCs through the section of mDEC-205-scFv, and bound the Ag-Ab complex via SPG as well as plasmid DNA through electrostatic bonding with CP in vitro. In addition, msSC functioned in a manner similar to anti-DEC-205 monoclonal Ab and bound to mouse bone marrow-derived DCs. It was demonstrated in vivo that msSC can target plasmid DNA to DCs, resulting in efficient uptake and expression. Moreover, msSC can form a complex with pGL3-CMV and transport it to draining lymph nodes when injected in vivo. These results indicate that msSC can be used as a carrier protein for vaccine delivery to DCs via formation of plasmid DNA-Ag-Ab ternary complexes.

Cross-presentation through langerin and DC-SIGN targeting requires different formulations of glycan-modified antigens

Dendritic cells (DCs) and Langerhans cells (LC) are professional antigen presenting cells (APCs) that initiate humoral and cellular immune responses. Targeted delivery of antigen towards DC- or LC-specific receptors enhances vaccine efficacy. In this study, we compared the efficiency of glycan-based antigen targeting to both the human DC-specific C-type lectin receptor (CLR) DC-SIGN and the LC-specific CLR langerin. Since DC-SIGN and langerin are able to recognize the difucosylated oligosaccharide Lewis Y (Le(Y)), we prepared neoglycoconjugates bearing this glycan epitope to allow targeting of both lectins. Le(Y)-modified liposomes, with an approximate diameter of 200nm, were significantly endocytosed by DC-SIGN(+) DCs and mediated efficient antigen presentation to CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. Surprisingly, although langerin bound to Le(Y)-modified liposomes, LCs exposed to Le(Y)-modified liposomes could not endocytose liposomes nor mediate antigen presentation to T cells. However, LCs mediated an enhanced cross-presentation when antigen was delivered through langerin using Le(Y)-modified synthetic long peptides. In contrast, Le(Y)-modified synthetic long peptides were recognized by DC-SIGN, but did not trigger antigen internalization nor antigen cross-presentation. These data demonstrate that langerin and DC-SIGN have different size requirements for antigen uptake. Although using glycans remains an interesting option in the design of anti-cancer vaccines targeting multiple CLRs, aspects such as molecule size and conformation need to be taken in consideration.

Trial watch: Dendritic cell-based anticancer therapy

The use of patient-derived dendritic cells (DCs) as a means to elicit therapeutically relevant immune responses in cancer patients has been extensively investigated throughout the past decade. In this context, DCs are generally expanded, exposed to autologous tumor cell lysates or loaded with specific tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), and then reintroduced into patients, often in combination with one or more immunostimulatory agents. As an alternative, TAAs are targeted to DCs in vivo by means of monoclonal antibodies, carbohydrate moieties or viral vectors specific for DC receptors. All these approaches have been shown to (re)activate tumor-specific immune responses in mice, often mediating robust therapeutic effects. In 2010, the first DC-based preparation (sipuleucel-T, also known as Provenge®) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in humans. Reflecting the central position occupied by DCs in the regulation of immunological tolerance and adaptive immunity, the interest in harnessing them for the development of novel immunotherapeutic anticancer regimens remains high. Here, we summarize recent advances in the preclinical and clinical development of DC-based anticancer therapeutics.

Antigen targeting to dendritic cells combined with transient regulatory T cell inhibition results in long-term tumor regression

Therapeutic vaccinations against cancer are still largely ineffective. Major caveats are inefficient delivery of tumor antigens to dendritic cells (DCs) and excessive immune suppression by Foxp3⁺ regulatory T cells (Tregs), resulting in defective T cell priming and failure to induce tumor regression. To circumvent these problems we evaluated a novel combinatorial therapeutic strategy. We show that tumor antigen targeting to DC-SIGN in humanized hSIGN mice via glycans or specific antibodies induces superior T cell priming. Next, this targeted therapy was combined with transient Foxp3⁺ Treg depletion employing hSIGNxDEREG mice. While Treg depletion alone slightly delayed B16-OVA melanoma growth, only the combination therapy instigated long-term tumor regression in a substantial fraction of mice. This novel strategy resulted in optimal generation of antigen-specific activated CD8⁺ T cells which accumulated in regressing tumors. Notably, Treg depletion also allowed the local appearance of effector T cells specific for endogenous B16 antigens. This indicates that antitumor immune responses can be broadened by therapies aimed at controlling Tregs in tumor environments. Thus, transient inhibition of Treg-mediated immune suppression potentiates DC targeted antigen vaccination and tumor-specific immunity.

Targeting human dendritic cells in situ to improve vaccines

Dendritic cells (DCs) provide a critical link between innate and adaptive immunity. The potent antigen presenting properties of DCs makes them a valuable target for the delivery of immunogenic cargo. Recent clinical studies describing in situ DC targeting with antibody-mediated targeting of DC receptor through DEC-205 provide new opportunities for the clinical application of DC-targeted vaccines. Further advances with nanoparticle vectors which can encapsulate antigens and adjuvants within the same compartment and be targeted against diverse DC subsets also represent an attractive strategy for targeting DCs. This review provides a brief summary of the rationale behind targeting dendritic cells in situ, the existing pre-clinical and clinical data on these vaccines and challenges faced by the next generation DC-targeted vaccines.

Targeting antigens to dendritic cell receptors for vaccine development

Dendritic cells (DCs) are highly specialized antigen presenting cells of the immune system which play a key role in regulating immune responses. Depending on the method of antigen delivery, DCs stimulate immune responses or induce tolerance. As a consequence of the dual function of DCs, DCs are studied in the context of immunotherapy for both cancer and autoimmune diseases. In vaccine development, a major aim is to induce strong, specific T-cell responses. This is achieved by targeting antigen to cell surface molecules on DCs that efficiently channel the antigen into endocytic compartments for loading onto MHC molecules and stimulation of T-cell responses. The most attractive cell surface receptors, expressed on DCs used as targets for antigen delivery for cancer and other diseases, are discussed.

A fusion protein between streptavidin and the endogenous TLR4 ligand EDA targets biotinylated antigens to dendritic cells and induces T cell responses in vivo

The development of tools for efficient targeting of antigens to antigen presenting cells is of great importance for vaccine development. We have previously shown that fusion proteins containing antigens fused to the extra domain A from fibronectin (EDA), an endogenous TLR4 ligand, which targets antigens to TLR4-expressing dendritic cells (DC), are highly immunogenic. To facilitate the procedure of joining EDA to any antigen of choice, we have prepared the fusion protein EDAvidin by linking EDA to the N terminus of streptavidin, allowing its conjugation with biotinylated antigens. We found that EDAvidin, as streptavidin, forms tetramers and binds biotin or biotinylated proteins with a Kd ~ 2.6 × 10(-14) mol/L. EDAvidin favours the uptake of biotinylated green fluorescent protein by DC. Moreover, EDAvidin retains the proinflammatory properties of EDA, inducing NF- κβ by TLR4-expressing cells, as well as the production of TNF- α by the human monocyte cell line THP1 and IL-12 by DC. More importantly, immunization of mice with EDAvidin conjugated with the biotinylated nonstructural NS3 protein from hepatitis C virus induces a strong anti-NS3 T cell immune response. These results open a new way to use the EDA-based delivery tool to target any antigen of choice to DC for vaccination against infectious diseases and cancer.

In vivo targeting of human DC-SIGN drastically enhances CD8⁺ T-cell-mediated protective immunity

Vaccination is one of the oldest yet still most effective methods to prevent infectious diseases. However, eradication of intracellular pathogens and treatment of certain diseases like cancer requiring efficient cytotoxic immune responses remain a medical challenge. In mice, a successful approach to induce strong cytotoxic CD8⁺ T-cell (CTL) reactions is to target antigens to DCs using specific antibodies against surface receptors in combination with adjuvants. A major drawback for translating this strategy into one for the clinic is the lack of analogous targets in human DCs. DC-SIGN (DC-specific-ICAM3-grabbing-nonintegrin/CD209) is a C-type lectin receptor with potent endocytic capacity and a highly restricted expression on human immature DCs. Therefore, DC-SIGN represents an ideal candidate for DC targeting. Using transgenic mice that express human DC-SIGN under the control of the murine CD11c promoter (hSIGN mice), we explored the efficacy of anti-DC-SIGN antibodies to target antigens to DCs and induce protective immune responses in vivo. We show that anti-DC-SIGN antibodies conjugated to OVA induced strong and persistent antigen-specific CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-cell responses, which efficiently protected from infection with OVA-expressing Listeria monocytogenes. Thus, we propose DC targeting via DC-SIGN as a promising strategy for novel vaccination protocols against intracellular pathogens.

Antibodies and carbohydrate ligands binding to DC-SIGN differentially modulate receptor trafficking

DCs are regarded as key APCs that initiate humoral and cellular immune responses. Consequently, targeted delivery of Ag toward DC-specific receptors enhances vaccine efficacy. DC-SIGN is a C-type lectin receptor that facilitates DC-specific delivery of Ag. This is accomplished by conjugating Ag to receptor-specific Ab or carbohydrate ligands that bind to its carbohydrate recognition domain. Here, we investigated the fate of DC-SIGN following receptor triggering with Ab. Both whole and single-chain Ab induced rapid internalization of about half of the surface receptor molecules. Biochemical studies showed that about half of the receptor molecules were still intracellular after 3 h, while minimal or no resurfacing of internalized or newly synthesized unbound DC-SIGN molecules was observed. Prolonged exposure of DCs to DC-SIGN Ab, but not carbohydrate ligands, resulted in reduced receptor expression levels, which lasted up to 2 days following removal of the Ab. In addition, exposure to DC-SIGN Ab reduced the ability of the receptor to internalize. Consequently, DC-SIGN showed a poor ability to accumulate targeting Abs within DCs. Vaccine efficacy may therefore be enhanced by strategies increasing the amount of Ag entering via a single receptor molecule, such as the use of targeting moieties allowing DC-SIGN recycling or Ab-coated vaccine carriers.

Glycan-modified liposomes boost CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses by targeting DC-SIGN on dendritic cells

Cancer immunotherapy requires potent tumor-specific CD8(+) and CD4(+) T-cell responses, initiated by dendritic cells (DCs). Tumor antigens can be specifically targeted to DCs in vivo by exploiting their expression of C-type lectin receptors (CLR), which bind carbohydrate structures on antigens, resulting in internalization and antigen presentation to T-cells. We explored the potential of glycan-modified liposomes to target antigens to DCs to boost murine and human T-cell responses. Since DC-SIGN is a CLR expressed on DCs, liposomes were modified with DC-SIGN-binding glycans Lewis (Le)(B) or Le(X). Glycan modification of liposomes resulted in increased binding and internalization by BMDCs expressing human DC-SIGN. In the presence of LPS, this led to 100-fold more efficient presentation of the encapsulated antigens to CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cells compared to unmodified liposomes or soluble antigen. Similarly, incubation of human moDC with melanoma antigen MART-1-encapsulated liposomes coated with Le(X) in the presence of LPS led to enhanced antigen-presentation to MART-1-specific CD8(+) T-cell clones. Moreover, this formulation drove primary CD8(+) T-cells to differentiate into high numbers of tetramer-specific, IFN-γ-producing effector T-cells. Together, our data demonstrate the potency of a glycoliposome-based vaccine targeting DC-SIGN for CD4(+) and CD8(+) effector T-cell activation. This approach may offer improved options for treatment of cancer patients and opens the way to in situ DC-targeted vaccination.

Targeting Dendritic Cells in vivo for Cancer Therapy

Monoclonal antibodies that recognize cell surface molecules have been used deliver antigenic cargo to dendritic cells (DC) for induction of immune responses. The encouraging anti-tumor immunity elicited using this immunization strategy suggests its suitability for clinical trials. This review discusses the complex network of DC, the functional specialization of DC subsets, the immunological outcomes of targeting different DC subsets and their cell surface receptors, and the requirements for the induction of effective anti-tumor CD4 and CD8 T cell responses that can recognize tumor-specific antigens. Finally, we review preclinical experiments and the progress toward targeting human DC in vivo.

Targeting nanoparticles to dendritic cells for immunotherapy

Dendritic cells (DCs) are key players in the initiation of adaptive immune responses and are currently exploited in immunotherapy for treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Development of targeted nanodelivery systems carrying vaccine components, including antigens and adjuvants, to DCs in vivo represents a promising strategy to enhance immune responses. Delivering particulate vaccines specifically to DCs and preventing nonspecific uptake by other endocytotic cells are challenging. Size represents a critical parameter determining whether particulate vaccines can penetrate lymph nodes and reach resident DCs. Specific delivery is further enhanced by actively targeting DC-specific receptors. This chapter discusses the rationale for the use of particle-based vaccines and provides an overview of antigen-delivery vehicles currently under investigation. In addition, we discuss how vaccine delivery systems may be developed, focusing on liposomes, PLGA polymers, and gold nanoparticles, to obtain safe and efficacious vaccines.

Eradication of large tumors expressing human papillomavirus E7 protein by therapeutic vaccination with E7 fused to the extra domain a from fibronectin

Cervical carcinoma is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. It is well established that chronic infection of the genital tract by various mucosatropic human papillomavirus (HPV) types causes cervical cancer. Cellular immunity to E7 protein from HPV (HPVE7) has been associated with clinical and cytologic resolution of HPV-induced lesions. Thus, we decided to test if targeting of HPVE7 to dendritic cells using a fusion protein containing the extra domain A (EDA) from fibronectin, a natural ligand for TLR4, and HPVE7 (EDA-HPVE7) might be an efficient vaccine for the treatment of cervical carcinoma. We found that EDA-HPVE7 fusion protein was efficiently captured by bone marrow derived dendritic cells in vitro and induced their maturation, with the upregulation of maturation markers and the production of IL-12. Immunization of mice with EDA-HPVE7 fusion protein induced antitumor CD8(+) T cell responses in the absence of additional adjuvants. Repeated intratumoral administration of EDA-HPVE7 in saline was able to cure established TC-1 tumors of 5-7 mm in diameter. More importantly, intravenous injection with EDA-HPVE7 in combination with the TLR ligand polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (pIC), or with low doses of cyclophosphamide and the TLR9 ligand CpG-B complexed in cationic lipids, were able to eradicate large established TC-1 tumors (1.2 cm in diameter). Thus, therapeutic vaccination with EDA-HPVE7 fusion protein may be effective in the treatment of human cervical carcinoma.

Targeted delivery of TLR ligands to human and mouse dendritic cells strongly enhances adjuvanticity

Effective vaccines consist of 2 components: immunodominant antigens and effective adjuvants. Whereas it has been demonstrated that targeted delivery of antigens to dendritic cells (DCs) improves vaccine efficacy, we report here that co-targeting of TLR ligands (TLRLs) to DCs strongly enhances adjuvanticity and immunity. We encapsulated ligands for intracellular TLRs within biodegradable nanoparticles coated with Abs recognizing DC-specific receptors. Targeted delivery of TLRLs to human DCs enhanced the maturation and production of immune stimulatory cytokines and the Ag-specific activation of naive CD8(+) T cells. In vivo studies demonstrated that nanoparticles carrying Ag induced cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses at 100-fold lower adjuvant dose when TLRLs were co-encapsulated instead of administered in soluble form. Moreover, the efficacy of these targeted TLRLs reduced the serum cytokine storm and related toxicity that is associated with administration of soluble TLRLs. We conclude that the targeted delivery of adjuvants may improve the efficacy and safety of DC-based vaccines.

Targeting DC-SIGN via its neck region leads to prolonged antigen residence in early endosomes, delayed lysosomal degradation, and cross-presentation

Targeting antigens to dendritic cell (DC)-specific receptors, such as DC-SIGN, induces potent T cell-mediated immune responses. DC-SIGN is a transmembrane C-type lectin receptor with a long extracellular neck region and a carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD). Thus far, only antibodies binding the CRD have been used to target antigens to DC-SIGN. We evaluated the endocytic pathway triggered by antineck antibodies as well as their intracellular routing and ability to induce CD8(+) T-cell activation. In contrast to anti-CRD antibodies, antineck antibodies induced a clathrin-independent mode of DC-SIGN internalization, as demonstrated by the lack of colocalization with clathrin and the observation that silencing clathrin did not affect antibody internalization in human DCs. Interestingly, we observed that anti-neck and anti-CRD antibodies were differentially routed within DCs. Whereas anti-CRD antibodies were mainly routed to late endosomal compartments, anti-neck antibodies remained associated with early endosomal compartments positive for EEA-1 and MHC class I for up to 2 hours after internalization. Finally, cross-presentation of protein antigen conjugated to antineck antibodies was approximately 1000-fold more effective than nonconjugated antigen. Our studies demonstrate that anti-neck antibodies trigger a distinct mode of DC-SIGN internalization that shows potential for targeted vaccination strategies.

C-type Lectin Receptors for Tumor Eradication: Future Directions

Dendritic cells are key regulators in directing immune responses and therefore are under extensive research for the induction of anti-tumor responses. DCs express a large array of receptors by which they scan their surroundings for recognition and uptake of pathogens. One of the receptor-families is the C-type lectins (CLR), which bind carbohydrate structures and internalize antigens upon recognition. Intracellular routing of antigen through CLR enhances loading and presentation of antigen through MHC class I and II, inducing antigen-specific CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-cell proliferation and skewing T-helper cells. These characteristics make CLRs very interesting targets for DC-based immunotherapy. Profound research has been done on targeting specific tumor antigens to CLR using either antibodies or the natural ligands such as glycan structures. In this review we will focus on the current data showing the potency of CLR-targeting and discuss improvements that can be achieved to enhance anti-tumor activity in the near future.

Potent antitumor immunity generated by a CD40-targeted adenoviral vaccine

In situ delivery of tumor-associated antigen (TAA) genes into dendritic cells (DC) has great potential as a generally applicable tumor vaccination approach. Although adenoviruses (Ad) are an attractive vaccine vehicle in this regard, Ad-mediated transduction of DCs is hampered by the lack of expression of the Ad receptor CAR on the DC surface. DC activation also requires interaction of CD40 with its ligand CD40L to generate protective T-cell-mediated tumor immunity. Therefore, to create a strategy to target Ads to DCs in vivo, we constructed a bispecific adaptor molecule with the CAR ectodomain linked to the CD40L extracellular domain via a trimerization motif (CFm40L). By targeting Ad to CD40 with the use of CFm40L, we enhanced both transduction and maturation of cultured bone marrow-derived DCs. Moreover, we improved transduction efficiency of DCs in lymph node and splenic cell suspensions in vitro and in skin and vaccination site-draining lymph nodes in vivo. Furthermore, CD40 targeting improved the induction of specific CD8(+) T cells along with therapeutic efficacy in a mouse model of melanoma. Taken together, our findings support the use of CD40-targeted Ad vectors encoding full-length TAA for in vivo targeting of DCs and high-efficacy induction of antitumor immunity.

The influence of PEG chain length and targeting moiety on antibody-mediated delivery of nanoparticle vaccines to human dendritic cells

Targeted delivery of nanoparticles (NPs) carrying vaccine components to dendritic cells (DCs) is a promising strategy to initiate antigen-specific immune responses. Improving the interactions between nanoparticle-carried ligands and receptors on DCs is a major challenge. These NPs are generally coated with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), to shield non-specific interactions, and antibodies, to facilitate specific delivery to DC surface receptors. We have devised a strategy to covalently link PEG molecules of various chain length (Mw 2000-20000 g/moL) to poly(lactic-co-)glycolic acid (PLGA) NP vaccines. We coated these NPs with various antibodies recognizing the DC-specific receptor DC-SIGN to study the effects of shielding and antibody type on antibody--receptor interactions. Chemical attachment of PEG to the particle surface was followed by detailed zeta potential, DLS and NMR studies, and analyzed by analytical chemistry. Increasing the PEG chain length increased particle size and polydispersity index and reduced the intracellular degradation rate of encapsulated antigens. Binding and uptake of NPs by human DCs was affected by both PEG chain length and antibody type. NPs coated with PEG-3000 had the optimal chain length for antibody--receptor interactions and induction of antigen-specific T-cell responses. Interestingly, clear differences were observed upon targeting distinct epitopes of the same receptor. Binding and uptake of NPs carrying antibodies recognizing the carbohydrate recognition domain of DC-SIGN was enhanced when compared to those carrying antibodies recognizing the receptor's neck region. In conclusion, our data show that PEG chains cannot be extended beyond a certain length for shielding purposes without compromising the efficacy of targeted delivery. Thereby, the implications of our findings are not limited to the future design of nanovaccines specifically targeted to DC-SIGN, but apply to the general design of targeted nanocarriers.

Rapid immune responses to a botulinum neurotoxin Hc subunit vaccine through in vivo targeting to antigen-presenting cells

The clostridial botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are the most potent protein toxins known. The carboxyl-terminal fragment of the toxin heavy chain (Hc) has been intensively investigated as a BoNT vaccine immunogen. We sought to determine whether targeting Hc to antigen-presenting cells (APCs) could accelerate the immune responses to vaccination with BoNT serotype A (BoNT/A) Hc. To test this hypothesis, we targeted Hc to the Fc receptors for IgG (FcγRs) expressed by dendritic cells (DCs) and other APCs. Hc was expressed as a fusion protein with a recombinant ligand for human FcγRs (R4) to produce HcR4 or a similar ligand for murine FcγRs to produce HcmR4. HcR4, HcmR4, and Hc were produced as secreted proteins using baculovirus-mediated expression in SF9 insect cells. In vitro receptor binding assays showed that HcR4 effectively targets Hc to all classes of FcγRs. APCs loaded with HcR4 or HcmR4 are substantially more effective at stimulating Hc-reactive T cells than APCs loaded with nontargeted Hc. Mice immunized with a single dose of HcmR4 or HcR4 had earlier and markedly higher Hc-reactive antibody titers than mice immunized with nontargeted Hc. These results extend to BoNT neutralizing antibody titers, which are substantially higher in mice immunized with HcmR4 than in mice immunized with Hc. Our results demonstrate that targeting Hc to FcγRs augments the pace and magnitude of immune responses to Hc.