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PLGA-Astragalus Polysaccharide Nanovaccines Exert Therapeutic Effect in Colorectal Cancer
Qian Cao1, Ruijie Zhou2, Songlin Guo3
1The First School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, People's Republic of China.
Background:
Tumor vaccines have achieved remarkable progress in treating patients with various tumors in clinical studies. Nevertheless, extensive research has also revealed that tumor vaccines are not up to expectations for the treatment of solid tumors due to their low immunogenicity. Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a tumor vaccine that can stimulate a broad anti-tumor immune response.
Methods:
In this work, we developed a nanovaccine (NP-TCL@APS), which includes nanoparticles loaded with colorectal cancer tumor cell lysates (TCL) and Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) into poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) to induce a robust innate immune response. The NP-TCL@APS was identified by transmission electron microscopy and Malvern laser particle size analyzer. The killing and immune activation effects of NP-TCL@APS were evaluated in vitro. Finally, safety and anti-tumor efficacy were evaluated in the colorectal cancer tumor-bearing mouse model.
Results:
We found that NP-TCL@APS was preferentially uptaken by DC and further promoted the activation of DC in vitro. Additionally, nanoparticles codelivery of TCL and APS enhanced the antigen-specific CD8+ T cell response and suppressed the growth of tumors in mouse models with good biocompatibility.
Conclusion:
We successfully prepared a nanovaccine termed NP-TCL@APS, which can promote the maturation of DC and induce strong responses by T lymphocytes to exert anti-tumor effects. The strategy proposed here is promising for generating a tumor vaccine and can be extended to various types of cancers.
Insights
A novel nanovaccine, NP-TCL@APS, effectively stimulates anti-tumor immunity by enhancing dendritic cell activation and CD8+ T cell responses. This approach shows promise for treating solid tumors, including colorectal cancer.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology in cancer therapy
- Immunology and vaccine development
Background:
- Tumor vaccines show promise but struggle with low immunogenicity in solid tumors.
- A need exists for advanced tumor vaccines that elicit broad anti-tumor immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel nanovaccine (NP-TCL@APS) for enhanced anti-tumor immunity.
- To assess the nanovaccine's efficacy in stimulating innate and adaptive immune responses against colorectal cancer.
Main Methods:
- Nanoparticles loaded with colorectal cancer tumor cell lysates (TCL) and Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) were synthesized.
- In vitro studies assessed immune cell activation, while in vivo studies evaluated anti-tumor efficacy and safety in mouse models.
Main Results:
- NP-TCL@APS demonstrated preferential uptake by dendritic cells (DCs) and promoted DC activation in vitro.
- The nanovaccine enhanced antigen-specific CD8+ T cell responses and suppressed tumor growth in mouse models with good biocompatibility.
Conclusions:
- The developed nanovaccine (NP-TCL@APS) effectively promotes DC maturation and T lymphocyte responses for anti-tumor effects.
- This strategy offers a promising approach for cancer vaccine development applicable to various cancer types.
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