Research project
Optimum antigen delivery for an effective cancer immunotherapy
Antigen-specific immunotherapy by vaccination is a promising strategy to treat cancer. The ultimate goal of a cancer therapeutic vaccine is the target and the stimulation of dendritic cells (DCs), in such a way that the containing tumor-specific antigens can be ideally presented to both CD8+ cytotoxic and CD4+ helper T-cells, in order to induce an effective and long-lasting tumor-specific immune reaction.
Objective of the current project is the choice of the most efficient vaccine delivery system as well as administration route, better able to elicit a strong cellular immune immune response. Therefore, various antigens delivery systems based on liposomes, PLGA nanoparticles and polymeric micelles, with tumor-specific encapsulated antigens (such as HPV16 and p53) and adjuvants are being investigated. In addition, different administration routes (subcutaneous, intradermal, intralymphatic) of these particles will be examined, as the induction of a neutralizing antibody response is dependent not only on the particle type and adjuvants, but also on the delivery route.
The above mentioned potential vaccine systems, after having been successfully generated, they will be applied in a variety of in-vitro and in-vivo models, while the most effective combination of antigen-containing delivery system and administration route will be assessed with regard to its therapeutic potential in a tumor-bearing mouse model.