Preparation of human ovarian cancer ascites-derived exosomes for a clinical trial

Blood Cells Mol Dis. 2005 Sep-Oct;35(2):149-52. doi: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2005.06.008.

Abstract

Despite initial response to chemotherapy, at least 50% of ovarian cancer patients will relapse within 18 months. Progression-free survival is related to tumour infiltration with cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). We recently demonstrated that CD8+ T cell responses to recall antigens improve following tumour response to chemotherapy. Vaccination designed to expand CTL, specific for tumour-associated antigens, may be a means of improving outcome. We are planning a clinical trial in advanced ovarian cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy using a combination of a Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) agonist and tumour-associated ascites-derived exosomes. Tumour-derived exosomes are a potential source of tumour antigens able to induce CD8+ T cell responses when loaded on mature dendritic cells (DC). DC maturation can be achieved with Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, such as the GMP-grade synthetic double stranded RNA, poly[I]:poly[C12U] (Ampligen) which is a TLR-3 agonist. Here, we describe the development of a method suitable for the preparation of GMP-grade exosomes from the ascites fluid of ovarian cancer patients, and the methods used for the molecular and immunological characterisation of these exosomes preceding their use in a clinical trial.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ascites / immunology*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic / methods
  • Endosomes / immunology
  • Endosomes / transplantation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Methods
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / immunology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Toll-Like Receptor 3 / agonists

Substances

  • TLR3 protein, human
  • Toll-Like Receptor 3