Cancer vaccines represent a revolutionary approach to cancer treatment, harnessing the power of the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. At Alfa Cytology, we are dedicated to advancing the field of cancer immunotherapy by developing innovative vaccines that stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancerous cells.
Cancer vaccines are a form of immunotherapy that helps the immune system to understand what cancer cells "look like" in order to recognize and destroy them.
Vaccines have been shown to be effective in preventing diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. Since the first vaccines were developed more than 200 years ago, they have prevented some of the deadliest diseases of the twentieth century and helped save hundreds of millions of lives worldwide.
Fig.1 Mechanisms of cancer vaccines. (Liu, et al., 2022)
Vaccines for viral and bacterial diseases like measles, polio, and diphtheria work by priming the immune system against weakened or inactivated threats, best administered preventatively before infection. However, cancer vaccine development is more complex due to cancer cells' similarity to healthy cells and the uniqueness of each tumor's antigens. This requires advanced strategies to develop effective cancer vaccines.
An immune response that effectively kills tumor cells involves steps that allow for repetition and expansion, called the tumor immune cycle. Following administration of a tumor vaccine, DCs ingest and process tumor antigens, which are then presented to MHC II or MHC I. Antigen-loaded dendritic cells migrate to lymph nodes to recruit and activate immune cells.
Fig.2 Cancer vaccine-induced tumor immune cycle. (Liu, J., et al., 2022)
Follicular DCs promote the production of memory B cells and plasma cells. Activated B cells promote tumor cell apoptosis via ADCC. Activated T cells proliferate and differentiate into memory T cells and effector T cells. Effector T cells travel to the TME and kill tumor cells directly or induce apoptosis. Immunogenic dead tumor cells can release TAA and danger signaling molecules to increase the depth and breadth of the response in subsequent cycles.
Alfa Cytology offers various types of cancer vaccine development services, including peptide-based vaccines, dendritic cell-based vaccines, DNA-based vaccines, RNA-based vaccines, and tumor cell-based vaccines. Each type utilizes different approaches to present cancer-specific antigens to the immune system, priming it to mount an effective anti-tumor response.
RNA vaccines offer several advantages, including the simultaneous encoding of multiple antigens and full-length tumor antigens. They can be produced quickly, flexibly, and efficiently, making them ideal for personalized neoantigen vaccine preparation. Moreover, RNA vaccines have a high safety profile, as they do not integrate into the host genome. Followings are the services we offer during the RNA cancer vaccine development.
Utilizing specialized antigen presenting cells and tumor cells to prime the immune system and initiate immune responses.
Delivering cancer-specific antigens using viral vectors to stimulate targeted immune responses against tumor cells.
Designing peptide-based vaccines to target specific tumor-associated antigens and induce immune responses against cancer cells.
At Alfa Cytology, we are committed to advancing the field of cancer immunotherapy through innovative vaccine development. Partner with us to harness the power of immunotherapy and revolutionize cancer treatment for patients worldwide. Contact us today to learn more about our cancer vaccine development services and explore how we can collaborate to combat cancer effectively.
Reference
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