Antigens-on-a-ship: A new journey to solid tumor vaccines

Abstract

Immune system activation is usually based on the difference between the body’s self and non-self. However, cancer is a result of genetic mutation in host cells characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation, metastasis, and escape from immune surveillance. Vaccines have great potential in cancer immunotherapy because they stimulate the body’s immune response. Although encouraging, most of the reported cancer vaccines only work for a small number of patients because of tumor heterogeneity and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Nanovaccines hold the potential to enhance immunotherapeutic efficacy, considering their co-delivery capabilities of antigens and therapeutic agents and enhanced solid tumor accumulation and penetration efficacy. Immune system activation is usually based on the difference between the body’s self and non-self. However, cancer is a result of genetic mutation in host cells characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation, metastasis, and escape from immune surveillance. Vaccines have great potential in cancer immunotherapy because they stimulate the body’s immune response. Although encouraging, most of the reported cancer vaccines only work for a small number of patients because of tumor heterogeneity and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Nanovaccines hold the potential to enhance immunotherapeutic efficacy, considering their co-delivery capabilities of antigens and therapeutic agents and enhanced solid tumor accumulation and penetration efficacy.