Self-assembled nanoparticles: A new platform for revolutionizing therapeutic cancer vaccines

Front Immunol. 2023 Feb 21:14:1125253. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1125253. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Cancer vaccines have had some success in the past decade. Based on in-depth analysis of tumor antigen genomics, many therapeutic vaccines have already entered clinical trials for multiple cancers, including melanoma, lung cancer, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, which have demonstrated impressive tumor immunogenicity and antitumor activity. Recently, vaccines based on self-assembled nanoparticles are being actively developed as cancer treatment, and their feasibility has been confirmed in both mice and humans. In this review, we summarize recent therapeutic cancer vaccines based on self-assembled nanoparticles. We describe the basic ingredients for self-assembled nanoparticles, and how they enhance vaccine immunogenicity. We also discuss the novel design method for self-assembled nanoparticles that pose as a promising delivery platform for cancer vaccines, and the potential in combination with multiple therapeutic approaches.

Keywords: adjuvant; cancer vaccines; immunotherapies; nanoparticles; self-assembled.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Cancer Vaccines*
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Melanoma*
  • Mice
  • Nanoparticles*

Substances

  • Cancer Vaccines
  • Antigens, Neoplasm

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 82072926 and 81872146).