The next wave of recombinant and synthetic anticancer vaccines

The identification of tumor-associated antigens (TAA) recognized by T lymphocytes makes the development of antigen-specific synthetic and recombinant vaccines possible. The expression of TAA within a recombinant vector increases control over the kinetics and quantity, the molecular form, and the subcellular location of the immunogen delivered. The next generation of antitumor vaccines employs cytokines and costimulatory molecules expressed in concert with TAA that are capable of augmenting the activation and proliferation of antitumor immune responses. The ultimate goal of these new strategies, the treatment of established cancer, is now being realized in animal models.