Lymph Nodes as Anti-Tumor Immunotherapeutic Tools: Intranodal-Tumor-Specific Antigen-Pulsed Dendritic Cell Vaccine Immunotherapy
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Updated: Sep 21, 2025

Author Spotlight: A Model to Study the Systemic and Local Dynamics of CD8+ T Cells During LN Metastasis
Published on: January 26, 2024
Takashi Morisaki1, Takafumi Morisaki2, Makoto Kubo2
1Fukuoka General Cancer Clinic, Fukuoka 812-0018, Japan.
Hundreds of lymph nodes (LNs) are scattered throughout the body. Although each LN is small, it represents a complete immune organ that contains almost all types of immunocompetent and stromal cells functioning as scaffolds. In this review, we highlight the importance of LNs in cancer immunotherapy. First, we review recent reports on structural and functional properties of LNs as sites for antitumor immunity and discuss their therapeutic utility in tumor immunotherapy. Second, we discuss the rationale and background of ultrasound (US)-guided intranodal injection methods. In addition, we review intranodal administration therapy of tumor-specific-antigen-pulsed matured dendritic cells (DCs), including neoantigen-pulsed vaccines.
Hundreds of lymph nodes (LNs) are scattered throughout the body. Although each LN is small, it represents a complete immune organ that contains almost all types of immunocompetent and stromal cells functioning as scaffolds. In this review, we highlight the importance of LNs in cancer immunotherapy. First, we review recent reports on structural and functional properties of LNs as sites for antitumor immunity and discuss their therapeutic utility in tumor immunotherapy. Second, we discuss the rationale and background of ultrasound (US)-guided intranodal injection methods. In addition, we review intranodal administration therapy of tumor-specific-antigen-pulsed matured dendritic cells (DCs), including neoantigen-pulsed vaccines.
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