Application of carbon nanotubes in cancer vaccines: Achievements, challenges and chances

J Control Release. 2019 Mar 10:297:79-90. doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.01.017. Epub 2019 Jan 16.

Abstract

Tumour-specific, immuno-based therapeutic interventions can be considered as safe and effective approaches for cancer therapy. Exploitation of nano-vaccinology to intensify the cancer vaccine potency may overcome the need for administration of high vaccine doses or additional adjuvants and therefore could be a more efficient approach. Carbon nanotube (CNT) can be described as carbon sheet(s) rolled up into a cylinder that is nanometers wide and nanometers to micrometers long. Stemming from the observed capacities of CNTs to enter various types of cells via diversified mechanisms utilising energy-dependent and/or passive routes of cell uptake, the use of CNTs for the delivery of therapeutic agents has drawn increasing interests over the last decade. Here we review the previous studies that demonstrated the possible benefits of these cylindrical nano-vectors as cancer vaccine delivery systems as well as the obstacles their clinical application is facing.

Keywords: Antigen presenting cells; Cancer immunotherapy; Carbon nanotube; Nanomedicine; Vaccine delivery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / chemistry*
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Cancer Vaccines / chemistry*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Membrane Permeability
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry*
  • Drug Liberation
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Cancer Vaccines
  • Drug Carriers
  • Nanotubes, Carbon