Novel Survivin Peptides Screened With Computer Algorithm Induce Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes With Higher Cytotoxic Efficiency to Cancer Cells

Prediction and identification of HLA-A*0201-restricted epitopes from cancer testis antigen CT23

Cancer-testis antigen CT23 is a class of tumor-associated antigens (TAA) characterized by restricted expression in male germ cells and a variety of tumor tissues. Numerous studies have shown that CT23 is closely related to tumor cell viability, proliferation, metastasis and invasion. CT23 is immunogenic and can cause specific immune response in tumor patients. Therefore, it is considered to be one of the best target antigens for designing therapeutic tumor vaccines and T-cell-mediated tumor immunotherapy. In this study, we initially obtained seven HLA-A*0201-restricted CT23 epitope candidate peptides through the T cell epitope prediction program. Subsequently, a T2 cell binding assay revealed the potential binding of all candidate peptides with HLA-A2 molecules. Notably, peptide P7 (ALLVLCYSI) exhibited the highest affinity, as evidenced by a fluorescence index (FI) of 2.19. Dendritic cells (DCs) loaded with CT23 candidate peptide can stimulate CD8+T cell activation and proliferation, and compared with other candidate peptides, candidate peptide P7 is superior. The cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) stimulated by the peptide P7 had killing effect on tumor cells (HLA-A*0201+, CT23+), but no killing effect on tumor cells (HLA-A*0201-, CT23+). The CTLs induced by the peptide P7 also had a specific killing effect on T2 cells bearing the peptide P7. In summary, our findings suggest that the CT23 peptide P7 (ALLVLCYSI) can induce immune responses and holds potential for tumor-specific CTL therapy.

Navigating the Immune Maze: Pioneering Strategies for Unshackling Cancer Immunotherapy Resistance

Cancer immunotherapy has ushered in a transformative era in oncology, offering unprecedented promise and opportunities. Despite its remarkable breakthroughs, the field continues to grapple with the persistent challenge of treatment resistance. This resistance not only undermines the widespread efficacy of these pioneering treatments, but also underscores the pressing need for further research. Our exploration into the intricate realm of cancer immunotherapy resistance reveals various mechanisms at play, from primary and secondary resistance to the significant impact of genetic and epigenetic factors, as well as the crucial role of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, we stress the importance of devising innovative strategies to counteract this resistance, such as employing combination therapies, tailoring immune checkpoints, and implementing real-time monitoring. By championing these state-of-the-art methods, we anticipate a paradigm that blends personalized healthcare with improved treatment options and is firmly committed to patient welfare. Through a comprehensive and multifaceted approach, we strive to tackle the challenges of resistance, aspiring to elevate cancer immunotherapy as a beacon of hope for patients around the world.

Advances in nanotechnology-based platforms for survivin-targeted drug discovery

INTRODUCTION

Due to its unique functional impact on multiple cancer cell circuits including proliferation, apoptosis, tumor dissemination, DNA damage repair and immune response, the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) survivin has gained high interest as a molecular target and a multitude of therapeutics were developed to interfere with survivin expression and functionality. First clinical evaluations of these therapeutics, however, were disappointing highlighting the need to develop advanced delivery systems of survivin-targeting molecules to increase stability, bioavailability as well as the selective guidance to tumor tissue.

AREAS COVERED

: This review focuses on advancements in nanocarriers to molecularly target survivin in human malignancies. A plethora of nanoparticle platforms, including liposomes, polymeric systems, dendrimers, inorganic nanocarriers, RNA/DNA nanotechnology and exosomes are discussed in the background of survivin-tailored RNA interference, small molecule inhibitors, dominant negative mutants or survivin vaccination or combined modality treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs and photo- dynamic/photothermal strategies.

EXPERT OPINION

Novel therapeutic approaches include the use of biocompatible nanoformulations carrying gene silencing or drug molecules to directly or indirectly target proteins, allow for a more precise and controlled delivery of survivin therapeutics. Moreover, surface modification of these nanocarriers may result in a tumor entity specific delivery. Therefore, nanomedicine exploiting survivin-tailored strategies in a multimodal background is considered the way forwaerd to enhance the development of future personalized medicine.

Anti-Cancer Auto-Antibodies: Roles, Applications and Open Issues

Auto-antibodies are classically associated with autoimmune diseases, where they are an integral part of diagnostic panels. However, recent evidence is accumulating on the presence of auto-antibodies against single or selected panels of auto-antigens in many types of cancer. Auto-antibodies might initially represent an epiphenomenon derived from the inflammatory environment induced by the tumor. However, their effect on tumor evolution can be crucial, as is discussed in this paper. It has been demonstrated that some of these auto-antibodies can be used for early detection and cancer staging, as well as for monitoring of cancer regression during treatment and follow up. Interestingly, certain auto-antibodies were found to promote cancer progression and metastasis, while others contribute to the body's defense against it. Moreover, auto-antibodies are of a polyclonal nature, which means that often several antibodies are involved in the response to a single tumor antigen. Dissection of these antibody specificities is now possible, allowing their identification at the genetic, structural, and epitope levels. In this review, we report the evidence available on the presence of auto-antibodies in the main cancer types and discuss some of the open issues that still need to be addressed by the research community.