Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
Generation of a Novel Dendritic-cell Vaccine Using Melanoma and Squamous Cancer Stem Cells
Published on: January 6, 2014
Dendritic cell-based vaccine against coccidioides infection
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1110 North Stonewall Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA. Shanjana-Awasthi@ouhsc.edu
Abstract:
Coccidioides causes coccidioidomycosis in the southwestern United States. Its clinical manifestations range from the primary asymptomatic to progressive pulmonary and extrapulmonary disease. Because of endemicity, frequent relapse, and virulent nature of Coccidioides, there is an urgent need for the development of effective therapy or vaccine. It has been recognized from studies in human patients and in murine models that the divergence in their susceptibility to Coccidioides infection is related to differences in T cell response. Dendritic cells (DCs) are most potent antigen-presenting cells that play a critical role in activating naïve T cells. On account of their unique immunostimulatory capacity, DCs have been used for the development of immunotherapy and vaccines against cancer and infectious diseases. We recently investigated the immunostimulatory potential of a DC-based vaccine in a murine model against Coccidioides posadasii (C. posadasii). Our results suggest that DCs act as a potent adjuvant and activate protective responses in mice against C. posadasii.
Insights
A dendritic cell (DC) vaccine shows promise for treating Coccidioides infections. This study found DCs act as powerful adjuvants, activating protective immune responses in mice against Coccidioides posadasii.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Coccidioides fungal infections cause coccidioidomycosis, prevalent in the southwestern US, with varied severity.
- Urgent need exists for effective Coccidioides therapy or vaccines due to endemicity, relapse, and virulence.
- T cell response differences influence susceptibility to Coccidioides infection in humans and murine models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunostimulatory potential of a dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccine against Coccidioides posadasii.
- To evaluate the efficacy of DCs as an adjuvant in a murine model.
Main Methods:
- A DC-based vaccine was developed and tested in a murine model.
- Immune responses were analyzed to assess protective effects against C. posadasii.
Main Results:
- Dendritic cells demonstrated potent adjuvant capabilities.
- The DC-based vaccine activated protective immune responses in mice challenged with C. posadasii.
Conclusions:
- DC-based vaccines hold potential as a novel therapeutic strategy against coccidioidomycosis.
- DCs can effectively stimulate protective immunity against Coccidioides fungal infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:51Vaccinations
01:30Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
01:27Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...