title: A novel fusion protein-based vaccine comprising a cell penetrating and immunostimulatory peptide linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 E7 antigen generates potent immunologic and anti-tumor responses in mice.
abstract: The ultimate success of cancer vaccination is dependent upon the generation of tumor-specific CTLs. In this study, we designed and evaluated a novel fusion protein comprising a cell penetrating and immunostimulatory peptide corresponding to residues 32-51 of the Limulus polyphemus protein (LALF(32-51)) linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 E7 antigen (LALF(32-51)-E7). We demonstrated that LALF(32-51) penetrates the cell membrane and delivers E7 into cells. In a preclinical model of HPV16-induced cervical carcinoma we showed that vaccination with adjuvant-free LALF(32-51)-E7 fusion protein significantly improves the presentation of E7-derived peptides to T-cells in vitro and induces suppression of tumor growth.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cancer, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, P.O. Box 6162, Cubanacan, Playa, Havana 10600, Cuba. milaid.granadillo@cigb.edu.cu
authors.forename: Milaid
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Granadillo
authors.forename: Maribel G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Vallespi
authors.forename: Aileen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Batte
authors.forename: Osmany
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Mendoza
authors.forename: Yordanka
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Soria
authors.forename: Victoria M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Lugo
authors.forename: Isis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Torrens
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D006737:Horseshoe Crabs / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D052162:Human papillomavirus 16 / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D050725:Papillomavirus E7 Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D050725:Papillomavirus E7 Proteins; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; C059731:oncogene protein E7, Human papillomavirus type 16