Dendritic cell-based nanovaccines for cancer immunotherapy

• Al2O3 scaffold as adjuvant coated with tumor-antigens creates tumor immunity.
• Targeting particles containing antigens and adjuvants to DCs improved CTL priming.
• Targeting antigen to CD8+ DCs induced a stronger immune response than via CD8− DCs.
• Cellular aAPCs applied in patients with metastatic cancer prolonged their survival.
• Clinical trial showing both CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell stimulation by cellular aAPCs.

Cancer immunotherapy critically relies on the efficient presentation of tumor antigens to T-cells to elicit a potent anti-tumor immune response aimed at life-long protection against cancer recurrence. Recent advances in the nanovaccine field have now resulted in formulations that trigger strong anti-tumor responses. Nanovaccines are assemblies that are able to present tumor antigens and appropriate immune-stimulatory signals either directly to T-cells or indirectly via antigen-presenting dendritic cells. This review focuses on important aspects of nanovaccine design for dendritic cells, including the synergistic and cytosolic delivery of immunogenic compounds, as well as their passive and active targeting to dendritic cells. In addition, nanoparticles for direct T-cell activation are discussed, addressing features necessary to effectively mimic dendritic cell/T-cell interactions.

Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (197 K)Download as PowerPoint slide