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Updated: Nov 13, 2025
Preparation, Characteristics, Toxicity, and Efficacy Evaluation of the Nasal Self-Assembled Nanoemulsion Tumor Vaccine In Vitro and In Vivo
Published on: September 28, 2022
Preclinical models and technologies to advance nanovaccine development
Carina Peres1, Ana I Matos1, Liane I F Moura2
1Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal.
Abstract:
The remarkable success of targeted immunotherapies is revolutionizing cancer treatment. However, tumor heterogeneity and low immunogenicity, in addition to several tumor-associated immunosuppression mechanisms are among the major factors that have precluded the success of cancer vaccines as targeted cancer immunotherapies. The exciting outcomes obtained in patients upon the injection of tumor-specific antigens and adjuvants intratumorally, reinvigorated interest in the use of nanotechnology to foster the delivery of vaccines to address cancer unmet needs. Thus, bridging nano-based vaccine platform development and predicted clinical outcomes the selection of the proper preclinical model will be fundamental. Preclinical models have revealed promising outcomes for cancer vaccines. However, only few cases were associated with clinical responses. This review addresses the major challenges related to the translation of cancer nano-based vaccines to the clinic, discussing the requirements for ex vivo and in vivo models of cancer to ensure the translation of preclinical success to patients.
Insights
Cancer nano-based vaccines show promise, but tumor heterogeneity and immunosuppression hinder clinical success. Selecting appropriate preclinical models is crucial for translating promising cancer vaccine research to patient treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Targeted immunotherapies are revolutionizing cancer treatment.
- Cancer vaccines face challenges like tumor heterogeneity, low immunogenicity, and immunosuppression.
- Nanotechnology offers potential for improved cancer vaccine delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review challenges in translating cancer nano-based vaccines to the clinic.
- To discuss the importance of preclinical models for vaccine development.
- To identify requirements for ex vivo and in vivo models to ensure clinical translation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cancer nano-based vaccine research.
- Analysis of factors hindering clinical translation.
- Discussion of preclinical model selection criteria.
Main Results:
- Preclinical models show promise for cancer vaccines, but clinical translation remains limited.
- Tumor characteristics and immunosuppressive mechanisms are key barriers.
- Effective preclinical models are essential for predicting clinical outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Translating cancer nano-based vaccines requires overcoming significant hurdles.
- Careful selection and validation of preclinical models are fundamental for success.
- Further research into robust preclinical models is needed to bridge the gap between lab and clinic.
