Work

Neoantigen‐Displaying Protein Nanoparticles as a Therapeutic Cancer Vaccine Against Melanoma

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Although interest in peptide‐based cancer vaccines has surged in the era of personalized immunotherapy enabled by the discovery of neoantigens, the effective generation of neoantigen‐specific T cell responses has been limited. Here, a Brucella BP26 protein‐based nanoparticle displaying the MHC class II‐restricted melanoma neoantigen, M30, is reported for use as a therapeutic cancer vaccine. Genetic engineering of 10 tandem repeats of the M30 neoepitope to a BP26 monomer results in the self‐assembled, neoantigen‐displaying protein nanoparticles (BP26‐M30 NPs). Subcutaneous immunization of mice with BP26‐M30 NPs/CpG adjuvant leads to the activation and maturation of antigen‐presenting cells in draining local lymph nodes and elicits M30‐specific CD4+ T cell immune responses and immunological memory. In a mouse model of aggressive B16‐F10 melanoma, immunization with BP26‐M30 NPs/CpG significantly inhibits the growth of established tumors. These findings suggest that the BP26‐based self‐assembled protein nanoparticle has the potential to be used as a cancer vaccine platform for personalized cancer immunotherapy.

Source: Advanced Healthcare Materials

DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202404316