Synthetic glycopeptides for the development of cancer vaccines

The tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens and glycopeptide antigens derived from, for example, the MUC1 mucin glycoprotein, are attractive targets for the immunotherapy of cancer, owing to their expression by malignant cells. The use of synthetic glycopeptides as partial or full components of vaccines targeting these antigens is a favorable approach for the development of cancer immunotherapies because of their ability to be generated as homogenous formulations. Tumor-associated antigens often exhibit poor immunogenicity; therefore, their conjugation to immunostimulants is essential to engage the immune system. Tremendous progress has been made in identifying the structural components of a synthetic vaccine required to elicit a highly selective and strong immune response, as well as appropriate carriers for their multivalent presentation. It is anticipated that advances in organic synthesis will ultimately aid the development of a fully synthetic vaccine incorporating important glycopeptide antigens for the treatment of cancer.