Abstract 4760: A novel immune potentiating strategy for cancer vaccine

Abstract

Abstract A major obstacle for translational research of cancer vaccine is the weak immunogenicity of tumor antigens. Thus, the development of new, more potent strategy that aims at breaking such an immune tolerance is a prerequisite of vaccine therapy. Here we show that the unexpected effect of inducing sterile inflammation at vaccination sites by myotoxins potentiated induction of tumor-specific immunity by genetic vaccines and converted a non-immunogenic lymphoma idiotype antigen into a tumor rejection vaccine. This potent immunostimulatory effect was immune-mediated, requiring recruitment of dendritic cells (DC). Sterile inflammation induced by myotoxins was associated with upregulation of chemokines, proinflammatory cytokines, Toll-like receptors and their endogenous ligands, and activation of innate immunity. Mechanistic experiments in vivo also elucidated the requirement for genes triggering DC maturation including TLR signaling and CD40. These studies suggest that inducing sterile inflammation at vaccination sites generates a favorable microenvironment that promotes adaptive immunity. This novel mechanism of immune potentiation may be exploited for development of adjuvants for vaccines against cancer. Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4760.