Applying biodegradable particles to enhance cancer vaccine efficacy.
One of the primary goals of our group and our collaborators here at the University of Iowa is to develop therapeutic cancer vaccines using biodegradable and biocompatible polymer-based vectors. A major advantage of using discretely packaged immunogenic cargo over non-encapsulated vaccines is that they promote enhanced cellular immunity, a key requirement in achieving antitumor activity. We discuss the importance of co-encapsulation of tumor antigen and adjuvant, with specific focus on the synthetic oligonucleotide adjuvant, cytosine-phosphate-guanine oligodeoxynucleotides. We also discuss our research using a variety of polymers including poly(α-hydroxy acids) and polyanhydrides, with the aim of determining the effect that parameters, such as size and polymer type, can have on prophylactic and therapeutic tumor vaccine formulation efficacy. Aside from their role as vaccine vectors per se, we also address the research currently underway in our group that utilizes more novel applications of biodegradable polymer-based particles in facilitating other types of immune-based therapies.
Division of Pharmaceutics and Translational Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
Kawther K
KK
Ahmed
Sean M
SM
Geary
Aliasger K
AK
Salem
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019496:Cancer Vaccines / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D011173:Portraits as Topic
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D019496:Cancer Vaccines