A versatile silica nanoparticle platform for induction of T cell responses – applied for therapeutic vaccination against HPV16 E6/E7-positive tumors in MHC-humanized mice
Therapeutic vaccines represent a promising treatment option for (pre)cancerous lesions, such as human papillomavirus-induced malignancies. They act via administration of tumor-specific antigens, leading to induction of antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell responses. However, vaccination efficiency is o...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Taylor & Francis Group
2025-12-01
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| Series: | OncoImmunology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/2162402X.2025.2548002 |
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| Summary: | Therapeutic vaccines represent a promising treatment option for (pre)cancerous lesions, such as human papillomavirus-induced malignancies. They act via administration of tumor-specific antigens, leading to induction of antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell responses. However, vaccination efficiency is often limited when the antigen is administered alone, due to antigen instability and inefficient uptake by antigen-presenting cells (APCs). To address these limitations, nanoparticle-based vaccine delivery systems are currently under investigation. Here, we present a novel silica nanoparticle (SiNP)-based vaccine delivery platform that can be applied for the treatment of various diseases and cancer types. We show that surface-functionalized SiNPs are non-cytotoxic and quickly taken up by APCs. Incorporation of a linker/solubilizer sequence N-terminal of the epitope allows attachment of peptides regardless of their solubility as well as efficient processing and surface presentation by APCs. Whole-body distribution studies confirmed retention of the antigen at the injection site and decelerated excretion when connected to SiNPs. Furthermore, treatment with SiNPs, especially when combined with the adjuvant poly(I:C), resulted in activation of dendritic cells capable of priming CD8+ T cells. In C57BL/6 and MHC-humanized A2.DR1 mice, the SiNP-based vaccinations induced epitope-specific CD8+ T cells. Moreover, they exhibited anti-tumor activity and provided a survival benefit in a tumor model using HPV16 E6/E7-expressing PAP-A2 cells. Thus, the novel SiNP platform represents a promising new vehicle for therapeutic vaccine delivery. |
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| ISSN: | 2162-402X |