The use of dendritic cells for cancer vaccination.
Dendritic cells (DC) are the most potent antigen presenting cells (APC) and the only ones capable of presenting novel antigens to naïve T-cells. Large numbers of DC can be generated in vitro in the presence of appropriate cytokine cocktails using either adherent peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) or CD34+ precursors. More than 20 preclinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of antigen-loaded DC to mediate antitumor immune responses. Three clinical trials have been reported to date that show DC as a promising tool for the immunotherapy of cancer. However, completion and analysis of randomized trials to establish the appropriate antigen(s), adjuvant(s), dose, route and schedule will be crucial. Future DC-based therapies will include genetic modification of DC, the use of CD34+ precursors, direct delivery of DC to tumors, and application of tumor lysates or apoptotic cells as sources of additional, as yet undefined, antigens.
Esche
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University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Division of Surgical Oncology, 300 Kaufmann Building, 3471 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. esche@altavista.net
Shurin
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MR
Lotze
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MT
D000818:Animals; D017951:Antigen Presentation; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D019496:Cancer Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D051379:Mice; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D019496:Cancer Vaccines