Cancer immunotherapy using artificial adjuvant vector cells to deliver NY-ESO-1 antigen to dendritic cells in situ.

NY-ESO-1 is a cancer/testis antigen expressed in various cancer types. However, the induction of NY-ESO-1-specific CTLs through vaccines is somewhat difficult. Thus, we developed a new type of artificial adjuvant vector cell (aAVC-NY-ESO-1) expressing a CD1d-NKT cell ligand complex and a tumor-associated antigen, NY-ESO-1. First, we determined the activation of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) and natural killer (NK) cell responses by aAVC-NY-ESO-1. We then showed that the NY-ESO-1-specific CTL response was successfully elicited through aAVC-NY-ESO-1 therapy. After injection of aAVC-NY-ESO-1, we found that dendritic cells (DCs) in situ expressed high levels of costimulatory molecules and produced interleukn-12 (IL-12), indicating that DCs undergo maturation in vivo. Furthermore, the NY-ESO-1 antigen from aAVC-NY-ESO-1 was delivered to the DCs in vivo, and it was presented on MHC class I molecules. The cross-presentation of the NY-ESO-1 antigen was absent in conventional DC-deficient mice, suggesting a host DC-mediated CTL response. Thus, this strategy helps generate sufficient CD8+ NY-ESO-1-specific CTLs along with iNKT and NK cell activation, resulting in a strong antitumor effect. Furthermore, we established a human DC-transferred NOD/Shi-scid/IL-2γcnull immunodeficient mouse model and showed that the NY-ESO-1 antigen from aAVC-NY-ESO-1 was cross-presented to antigen-specific CTLs through human DCs. Taken together, these data suggest that aAVC-NY-ESO-1 has potential for harnessing innate and adaptive immunity against NY-ESO-1-expressing malignancies.

A single immunization with cellular vaccine confers dual protection against SARS-CoV-2 and cancer.

The efficacy of current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines has been demonstrated; however, emerging evidence suggests insufficient protection in certain immunocompromised cancer patients. We previously developed a cell-based anti-cancer vaccine platform involving artificial adjuvant vector cells (aAVCs) capable of inducing a strong adaptive response by enhancing the innate immunity. aAVCs are target antigen-transfected allogenic cells that simultaneously express the natural killer T-cell ligand-CD1d complex on their surface. In the present study, we applied this system for targeting the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein (CoV-2-S) using CoV-2-S-expressing aAVCs (aAVC-CoV-2) and evaluated the immune response in a murine model. A single dose of aAVC-CoV-2 induced a large amount of CoV-2-S-specific, multifunctional CTLs in addition to CD4+ T-cell-dependent anti-CoV-2-S-specific Abs. CoV-2-S-specific CTLs infiltrated the lung parenchyma and persisted as long-term memory T cells. Furthermore, we immunized mice with CoV-2-S- and tumor-associated antigen (TAA)-co-expressing aAVCs (aAVC-TAA/CoV-2) and evaluated whether the anti-SARS-CoV-2 and antitumor CTLs were elicited. We found that the aAVC-TAA/CoV-2-S therapy exerted apparent antitumor effects and induced CoV-2-S-specific CTLs. These findings suggest aAVC-TAA/CoV-2-S therapy as a promising vaccine candidate for preventing COVID-19, as well as enhancing the effectiveness of cancer therapies.

Immune Networks and Therapeutic Targeting of iNKT Cells in Cancer.

One of the primary goals in tumor immunotherapy is to reset the immune system from tolerogenic to immunogenic - a process in which invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are implicated. iNKT cells develop in the thymus and perform immunosurveillance against tumor cells peripherally. When optimally stimulated, iNKT cells differentiate and display more efficient immune functions. Some cells survive and act as effector memory cells. We discuss the putative roles of iNKT cells in antitumor immunity, and posit that it may be possible to develop novel therapeutic strategies to treat cancers using iNKT cells. In particular, we highlight the challenge of uniquely energizing iNKT cell-licensed dendritic cells to serve as effective immunoadjuvants for both arms of the immune system, thus coupling immunological networks.

A fatal case of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis associated with gestational psittacosis without symptoms of pneumonia.

Psittacosis is a zoonotic infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci. Most patients present with acute respiratory symptoms and systemic illness. When C. psittaci infects pregnant women, it causes severe clinical manifestations called gestational psittacosis. Here we report a case of gestational psittacosis. Our patient lacked respiratory symptoms, and pathological postmortem examinations revealed severe placentitis. Both DNA and immunohistochemical analyses were positive for C. psittaci from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. The chlamydial DNA in the placenta was about 100 times more abundant than that in the lungs; therefore, the placenta rather than the lungs was the probable target of the C. psittaci infection during this pregnancy. We could not identify the source of infection. Gestational psittacosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for fever of unknown origin during pregnancy, even in cases lacking respiratory symptoms.

Risk factors of severe prolonged grief disorder among individuals experiencing late-life bereavement in Japan: A qualitative study.

This article explored how severe prolonged grief disorder (PGD) is associated with psychological and social variables using an interpretative phenomenological analysis. From a sample of 225 Japanese hospitalized adults with depression, seven participants were identified as having PGD based on their medical records and semi-structured interviews. Risk factors appeared to be psychological factors associated with the deceased (dependence on the deceased, feeling sorry for the deceased, intense self-blame, and infrequent expression of anger) and environmental factors (loneliness and isolation, lack of opportunity to determine separation, and release from practical burdens). These findings are discussed in relation to Japanese culture.

Identification of Neoantigens in Cancer Cells as Targets for Immunotherapy.

The clinical benefits of immune checkpoint blockage (ICB) therapy have been widely reported. In patients with cancer, researchers have demonstrated the clinical potential of antitumor cytotoxic T cells that can be reinvigorated or enhanced by ICB. Compared to self-antigens, neoantigens derived from tumor somatic mutations are believed to be ideal immune targets in tumors. Candidate tumor neoantigens can be identified through immunogenomic or immunopeptidomic approaches. Identification of neoantigens has revealed several points of the clinical relevance. For instance, tumor mutation burden (TMB) may be an indicator of immunotherapy. In various cancers, mutation rates accompanying neoantigen loads may be indicative of immunotherapy. Furthermore, mismatch repair-deficient tumors can be eradicated by T cells in ICB treatment. Hence, immunotherapies using vaccines or adoptive T-cell transfer targeting neoantigens are potential innovative strategies. However, significant efforts are required to identify the optimal epitopes. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the identification of neoantigens and discussed preclinical and clinical studies based on neoantigens. We also discuss the issues remaining to be addressed before clinical applications of these new therapeutic strategies can be materialized.

Optimal therapeutic strategy using antigen-containing liposomes selectively delivered to antigen-presenting cells.

Recent immunotherapies have shown clinical success. In particular, vaccines based on particulate antigen (Ag) are expected to be implemented based on their efficacy. In the current study, we describe a strategy entailing Ag-encapsulating PEG-modified liposomes (PGL-Ag) as antigen protein delivery devices and show that the success of the liposome depends on the antigen-presenting cell (APC) capacity; after administration of PGL-Ag, dendritic cells (DCs) in particular take up the Ag and subsequently prime T cells. For the generation of antitumor T cell responses in the lymphoid tissues, the function of encapsulated Ag-capturing DCs in vivo could be a biomarker. We next designed a prime-boost strategy to enhance the antitumor effects of the PGL-Ag. In the tumor sites, we show that Ag retention in nanoparticle-capturing DCs promotes a robust antitumor response. Thus, this efficient particulate Ag-based host antigen-presenting cell delivery strategy provides a bridge between innate and adaptive immune response and offers a novel therapeutic option against tumor cells.

Immune suppression and reversal of the suppressive tumor microenvironment.

Most tumors employ multiple strategies to attenuate T-cell-mediated immune responses. In particular, immune suppression surrounding the tumor is achieved by interfering with antigen-presenting cells and effector T cells. Controlling both the tumor and the tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical for cancer treatment. Checkpoint blockade therapy can overcome tumor-induced immune suppression, but more than half of the patients fail to respond to this treatment; therefore, more effective cancer immunotherapies are needed. Generation of an anti-tumor immune response is a multi-step process of immune activation against the tumor that requires effector T cells to recognize and exert toxic effects against tumor cells, for which two strategies are employed-inhibition of various types of immune suppressor cells, such as myeloid cells and regulatory T cells, and establishment of anti-tumor immune surveillance including, activation of natural killer cells and cytotoxic T cells. It was recently shown that anti-cancer drugs not only directly kill tumor cells, but also influence the immune response to cancer by promoting immunogenic cell death, enhancing antigen presentation or depleting immunosuppressive cells. Herein, we review the mechanisms by which tumors exert immune suppression as well as their regulation. We then discuss how the complex reciprocal interactions between immunosuppressive and immunostimulatory cells influence immune cell dynamics in the TME. Finally, we highlight the new therapies that can reverse immune suppression in the TME and promote anti-tumor immunity.

Imaging of the cross-presenting dendritic cell subsets in the skin-draining lymph node.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells specialized for activating T cells to elicit effector T-cell functions. Cross-presenting DCs are a DC subset capable of presenting antigens to CD8(+) T cells and play critical roles in cytotoxic T-cell-mediated immune responses to microorganisms and cancer. Although their importance is known, the spatiotemporal dynamics of cross-presenting DCs in vivo are incompletely understood. Here, we study the T-cell zone in skin-draining lymph nodes (SDLNs) and find it is compartmentalized into regions for CD8(+) T-cell activation by cross-presenting DCs that express the chemokine (C motif) receptor 1 gene, Xcr1 and for CD4(+) T-cell activation by CD11b(+) DCs. Xcr1-expressing DCs in the SDLNs are composed of two different populations: migratory (CD103(hi)) DCs, which immigrate from the skin, and resident (CD8α(hi)) DCs, which develop in the nodes. To characterize the dynamic interactions of these distinct DC populations with CD8(+) T cells during their activation in vivo, we developed a photoconvertible reporter mouse strain, which permits us to distinctively visualize the migratory and resident subsets of Xcr1-expressing DCs. After leaving the skin, migratory DCs infiltrated to the deep T-cell zone of the SDLNs over 3 d, which corresponded to their half-life in the SDLNs. Intravital two-photon imaging showed that after soluble antigen immunization, the newly arriving migratory DCs more efficiently form sustained conjugates with antigen-specific CD8(+) T cells than other Xcr1-expressing DCs in the SDLNs. These results offer in vivo evidence for differential contributions of migratory and resident cross-presenting DCs to CD8(+) T-cell activation.

Amelioration of NK cell function driven by Vα24+ invariant NKT cell activation in multiple myeloma.

NK cells represent a first line of immune defense, but are progressively dysregulated in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. To restore and facilitate their antitumor effect, NK cells are required in sufficient quantities and must be stimulated. We initially assessed the proportions of NKT and NK cells in 34 MM patients. The frequencies of both in PBMC populations correlated with those in BMMNCs irrespective of low BMMNC numbers. We then assessed the adjunctive effect of stimulating NKT cells with CD1d and α-GalCer complexes on the NK cells. The expression of NKG2D on CD56dimCD16+ NK cells and DNAM-1 on CD56brightCD16- NK cells increased after NKT cell activation. Apparently, NK cell-mediated anti-tumor effects were dependent on NKG2D and DNAM-1 ligands on myeloma cells. Thus, NK cell function in patients could be ameliorated, beyond the effect of immunosuppression, by NKT cell activation. This NKT-driven NK cell therapy could represent a potential new treatment modality.

Efficient Regeneration of Human Vα24+ Invariant Natural Killer T Cells and Their Anti-Tumor Activity In Vivo.

Reprogramming of antigen-specific T lymphocytes into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their subsequent re-differentiation has enabled expansion of functional T lymphocytes in vitro, thus opening up new approaches for immunotherapy of cancer and other diseases. In this study, we have established a robust protocol to reprogram human invariant NKT (Vα24+ iNKT) cells, which have been shown to act as cellular adjuvants and thus exert anti-tumor activity in mice and humans, and to re-differentiate the iNKT cell-derived iPSCs into functional iNKT cells. These iPSC-derived iNKT cells (iPS-Vα24+ iNKT cells) can be activated by ligand-pulsed dendritic cells (DCs) and produce a large amount of interferon-γ upon activation, as much as parental Vα24+ iNKT cells, but exhibit even better cytotoxic activity against various tumor cell lines. The iPS-Vα24+ iNKT cells possess significant anti-tumor activity in tumor-bearing mice and can activate autologous NK cells upon activation by ligand-pulsed DCs in the NOG mouse model in vivo, further extending their therapeutic potential. This study thus provides a first proof of concept for the clinical application of human iPS-Vα24+ iNKT cells for cancer immunotherapy. Stem Cells 2016;34:2852-2860.

RNA-transfection of γ/δ T cells with a chimeric antigen receptor or an α/ß T-cell receptor: a safer alternative to genetically engineered α/ß T cells for the immunotherapy of melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Adoptive T-cell therapy relying on conventional T cells transduced with T-cell receptors (TCRs) or chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) has caused substantial tumor regression in several clinical trials. However, genetically engineered T cells have been associated with serious side-effects due to off-target toxicities and massive cytokine release. To obviate these concerns, we established a protocol adaptable to GMP to expand and transiently transfect γ/δ T cells with mRNA. METHODS: PBMC from healthy donors were stimulated using zoledronic-acid or OKT3 to expand γ/δ T cells and bulk T cells, respectively. Additionally, CD8+ T cells and γ/δ T cells were MACS-isolated from PBMC and expanded with OKT3. Next, these four populations were electroporated with RNA encoding a gp100/HLA-A2-specific TCR or a CAR specific for MCSP. Thereafter, receptor expression, antigen-specific cytokine secretion, specific cytotoxicity, and killing of the endogenous γ/δ T cell-target Daudi were analyzed. RESULTS: Using zoledronic-acid in average 6 million of γ/δ T cells with a purity of 85% were generated from one million PBMC. MACS-isolation and OKT3-mediated expansion of γ/δ T cells yielded approximately ten times less cells. OKT3-expanded and CD8+ MACS-isolated conventional T cells behaved correspondingly similar. All employed T cells were efficiently transfected with the TCR or the CAR. Upon respective stimulation, γ/δ T cells produced IFNγ and TNF, but little IL-2 and the zoledronic-acid expanded T cells exceeded MACS-γ/δ T cells in antigen-specific cytokine secretion. While the cytokine production of γ/δ T cells was in general lower than that of conventional T cells, specific cytotoxicity against melanoma cell lines was similar. In contrast to OKT3-expanded and MACS-CD8+ T cells, mock-electroporated γ/δ T cells also lysed tumor cells reflecting the γ/δ T cell-intrinsic anti-tumor activity. After transfection, γ/δ T cells were still able to kill MHC-deficient Daudi cells. CONCLUSION: We present a protocol adaptable to GMP for the expansion of γ/δ T cells and their subsequent RNA-transfection with tumor-specific TCRs or CARs. Given the transient receptor expression, the reduced cytokine release, and the equivalent cytotoxicity, these γ/δ T cells may represent a safer complementation to genetically engineered conventional T cells in the immunotherapy of melanoma (Exper Dermatol 26: 157, 2017, J Investig Dermatol 136: A173, 2016).

KLRG+ invariant natural killer T cells are long-lived effectors.

Immunological memory has been regarded as a unique feature of the adaptive immune response mediated in an antigen-specific manner by T and B lymphocytes. However, natural killer (NK) cells and γδT cells, which traditionally are classified as innate immune cells, have been shown in recent studies to have hallmark features of memory cells. Invariant NKT cell (iNKT cell)-mediated antitumor effects indicate that iNKT cells are activated in vivo by vaccination with iNKT cell ligand-loaded CD1d(+) cells, but not by vaccination with unbound NKT cell ligand. In such models, it previously was thought that the numbers of IFN-γ-producing cells in the spleen returned to the basal level around 1 wk after the vaccination. In the current study, we demonstrate the surprising presence of effector memory-like iNKT cells in the lung. We found long-term antitumor activity in the lungs of mice was enhanced after vaccination with iNKT cell ligand-loaded dendritic cells. Further analyses showed that the KLRG1(+) (Killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily G, member 1-positive) iNKT cells coexpressing CD49d and granzyme A persisted for several months and displayed a potent secondary response to cognate antigen. Finally, analyses of CDR3ß by RNA deep sequencing demonstrated that some particular KLRG1(+) iNKT-cell clones accumulated, suggesting the selection of certain T-cell receptor repertoires by an antigen. The current findings identifying effector memory-like KLRG1(+) iNKT cells in the lung could result in a paradigm shift regarding the basis of newly developed extrathymic iNKT cells and could contribute to the future development of antitumor immunotherapy by uniquely energizing iNKT cells.

Persistent complex bereavement disorder: clinical utility and classification of the category proposed for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition.

AIM: Persistent complex bereavement disorder (PCBD) was proposed as a bereavement-related clinical category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, which included the disorder among conditions for further study. This is an independent clinical category in which intense yearning for the deceased continues for at least 12 months. However, the diagnostic features are still inconclusive. We suggest a variation of PCBD for making category from our clinical experiences. METHOD: We presented two representative case studies in which grief caused by bereavement was observed as the root of the pathological condition. We examined the disorder's pathological conditions, diagnoses, and appropriate treatments based on the cases we experienced. RESULTS: Both cases involved elderly women who lost their spouse through illness and experienced prolonged grief for an extended period, resulting in hospital admission. Based on the two cases, we believe that PCBD can also include a psychotic type with hallucinations as a major symptom. While studying PCBD, we took into account specific cultural characteristics of Japanese people and their present day social environment. CONCLUSIONS: Such cases would be suggestive when determining the PCBD clinical category in the future. PCBD is considered to be clinically very useful, especially in an extremely aged society as seen in developed countries, including Japan.

Invariant NKT cells induce plasmacytoid dendritic cell (DC) cross-talk with conventional DCs for efficient memory CD8+ T cell induction.

A key goal of vaccine immunotherapy is the generation of long-term memory CD8(+) T cells capable of mediating immune surveillance. We discovered a novel intercellular pathway governing the development of potent memory CD8(+) T cell responses against cell-associated Ags that is mediated through cross-presentation by XCR1(+) dendritic cells (DCs). Generation of CD8(+) memory T cells against tumor cells pulsed with an invariant NKT cell ligand depended on cross-talk between XCR1(+) and plasmacytoid DCs that was regulated by IFN-α/IFN-αR signals. IFN-α production by plasmacytoid DCs was stimulated by an OX40 signal from the invariant NKT cells, as well as an HMGB1 signal from the dying tumor cells. These findings reveal a previously unknown pathway of intercellular collaboration for the generation of tumor-specific CD8(+) memory T cells that can be exploited for strategic vaccination in the setting of tumor immunotherapy.

Adoptive cytotoxic T lymphocyte therapy triggers a counter-regulatory immunosuppressive mechanism via recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells.

Complex interactions among multiple cell types contribute to the immunosuppressive milieu of the tumor microenvironment. Using a murine model of adoptive T-cell immunotherapy (ACT) for B16 melanoma, we investigated the impact of tumor infiltrating cells on this complex regulatory network in the tumor. Transgenic pmel-1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) were injected intravenously into tumor-bearing mice and could be detected in the tumor as early as on day 1, peaking on day 3. They produced IFN-γ, exerted anti-tumor activity and inhibited tumor growth. However, CTL infiltration into the tumor was accompanied by the accumulation of large numbers of cells, the majority of which were CD11b(+) Gr1(+) myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Notably, CD11b(+) Gr1(int) Ly6G(-) Ly6C(+) monocytic MDSCs outnumbered the CTLs by day 5. They produced nitric oxide, arginase I and reactive oxygen species, and inhibited the proliferation of antigen-specific CD8(+) T cells. The anti-tumor activity of the adoptively-transferred CTLs and the accumulation of MDSCs both depended on IFN-γ production on recognition of tumor antigens by the former. In CCR2(-/-) mice, monocytic MDSCs did not accumulate in the tumor, and inhibition of tumor growth by ACT was improved. Thus, ACT triggered counter-regulatory immunosuppressive mechanism via recruitment of MDSCs. Our results suggest that strategies to regulate the treatment-induced recruitment of these MDSCs would improve the efficacy of immunotherapy.

Adjuvant activity mediated by iNKT cells.

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells have adjuvant activity due to their ability to produce large amounts of IFN-gamma, which activates other cells in innate and acquired systems, and orchestrates protective immunity. Based on these adjuvant mechanisms, we developed iNKT cell-targeted adjuvant therapy and carried out a phase I/IIa trial on advanced lung cancer patients. The patient group with increased numbers of IFN-gamma-producing cells showed prolonged survival with a median survival time of 31.9 months. Sixty percent of the patients in this group survived for more than 2 years with only a primary treatment and without tumor progression and metastasis.

NKT-Licensed In Vivo Dendritic Cell-Based Immunotherapy as Cellular Immunodrugs for Cancer Treatment.

With the advent of new therapies, immunotherapy has gained attention as a critical modality. After the discovery of the natural killer T (NKT) cells ligand, ex vivo cultured dendritic cells (DCs) loaded with NKT ligand (especially α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) (DC/Gal) or ex vivo expanded NKT transfer studies were clinically examined in several institutes. To prevent tumoral immune escape, the link between innate and adaptive immunity, in situ selective targeting of DCs has been attempted; however, protocol optimization was required. As a type of DC targeting therapy that combines the benefits of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, we established an all-in-one, off-the-shelf drug, named the artificial adjuvant vector cell (aAVC), which consists of the tumor antigen and the CD1d-iNKT ligand complex. Here, to our knowledge, we first demonstrate the DC/GalCer therapy and NKT transfer therapy. Next, we introduce and discuss the use of aAVC therapy not only for efficient innate and adaptive immunity induction using fully matured DC in situ but also the characterization necessary for locally reprogramming the tumor microenvironment and systemically inducing long-term memory in T cells. We also discuss how the immune network mechanism is controlled by DCs. Next, we performed the first human clinical trial using WT1 antigen-expressing aAVC against relapse and refractory acute myelogenous leukemia. Thus, we highlight the challenges of using aAVCs as prodrugs for actively energizing DCs in vivo, underpinning immunological networks, and developing strategies for providing maximal benefits for patients.

Tumor epitope spreading by a novel multivalent therapeutic cellular vaccine targeting cancer antigens to invariant NKT-triggered dendritic cells in situ.

Introduction: Cancer is categorized into two types based on the microenvironment: cold and hot tumors. The former is challenging to stimulate through immunity. The immunogenicity of cancer relies on the quality and quantity of cancer antigens, whether recognized by T cells or not. Successful cancer immunotherapy hinges on the cancer cell type, antigenicity and subsequent immune reactions. The T cell response is particularly crucial for secondary epitope spreading, although the factors affecting these mechanisms remain unknown. Prostate cancer often becomes resistant to standard therapy despite identifying several antigens, placing it among immunologically cold tumors. We aim to leverage prostate cancer antigens to investigate the potential induction of epitope spreading in cold tumors. This study specifically focuses on identifying factors involved in secondary epitope spreading based on artificial adjuvant vector cell (aAVC) therapy, a method established as invariant natural killer T (iNKT) -licensed DC therapy. Methods: We concentrated on three prostate cancer antigens (prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP)). By introducing allogeneic cells with the antigen and murine CD1d mRNA, followed by α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) loading, we generated five types of aAVCs, i.e, monovalent, divalent and trivalent antigen-expressing aAVCs and four types of prostate antigen-expressing cold tumors. We evaluated iNKT activation and antigen-specific CD8+ T cell responses against tumor cells prompted by the aAVCs. Results: Our study revealed that monovalent aAVCs, expressing a single prostate antigen, primed T cells for primary tumor antigens and also induced T cells targeting additional tumor antigens by triggering a tumor antigen-spreading response. When we investigated the immune response by trivalent aAVC (aAVC-PROS), aAVC-PROS therapy elicited multiple antigen-specific CD8+ T cells simultaneously. These CD8+ T cells exhibited both preventive and therapeutic effects against tumor progression. Conclusions: The findings from this study highlight the promising role of tumor antigen-expressing aAVCs, in inducing efficient epitope spreading and generating robust immune responses against cancer. Our results also propose that multivalent antigen-expressing aAVCs present a promising therapeutic option and could be a more comprehensive therapy for treating cold tumors like prostate cancer.