Salmonella SL7207 application is the most effective DNA vaccine delivery method for successful tumor eradication in a murine model for neuroblastoma

Attenuated Salmonella is an approved oral life vaccine that is currently entering pre-clinical cancer vaccination studies as a promising DNA carrier. In a syngeneic mouse model for neuroblastoma, oral gavage of Salmonella typhimurium (SL7207) carrying recent generated survivin DNA vaccines induced a stronger cellular anti-NB immune response than gene gun application or injection of lentivirally transduced bone marrow-derived DCs. The level of Salmonella-associated side effects was not significant as indicated by unaffected survivin-mediated hematopoiesis and wound healing. We believe that our findings provide an important baseline to translate Salmonella-based DNA vaccination into a clinical application for neuroblastoma.

► SL7207 were dismantled as most effective vaccine carrier for survivin-based DNA vaccination in a syngeneic neuroblastoma.
► As a second-best DNA delivery system emerged the application of lentiviral-transduced DCs.
► Gene gun application appeared the least effective procedure for DNA vaccination.
► DC vaccination was more effective in inducing a cellular immune response when loaded with peptide epitopes.
► The level of Salmonella-associated side effects was not significant.