Background: The therapeutic efficacy of dendritic cell (DC)-immunotherapy for large hepatoma in mice is unsatisfactory. Materials & methods: DC-based immunotherapy was used to treat Hepa1-6 tumors measuring 6 ± 1 mm in diameter, enhanced by boosting tumor antigens. Results: CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells were contracted and transformed into memory phenotypic cells after DC-based vaccination. When T-cells were re-stimulated, T-cells obtained from mice boosted by tumor antigen injection showed highest proliferation capacity. When mice with large tumors were treated, DC-based vaccination boosted by tumor antigen and an additional DC-infusion yielded curative rates of 50% and 23.1%, respectively. Conclusion: DC vaccination induced effector memory cells. Antigen presentation recalled by DC or tumor antigens increased the curative rate in mice with large tumors.
Keywords: boost; dendritic cell; hepatoma; immunotherapy; memory T-cell; recall antigen.
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common liver malignancy and is often found at advanced stage. Immune checkpoint inhibitor combined with a molecular targeting agent is a new strategy for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and yields 30% of objective response rate. However, we still need another treatment for the patients who are not responsive to immune checkpoint inhibitor combined with a molecular targeting agent. Dendritic cell-based immunotherapy is one of the treatments for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. In this animal study, dendritic cells can activate T-lymphocytes to kill cancer cells. Dendritic cells can also induce memory T-lymphocytes, which can be reactive by boost tumor antigens and increase therapeutic efficacy. This treatment strategy, dendritic cell infusion followed by tumor-antigen injection, can be translated into clinical practice in the future.