ABSTRACT
In this communication, we will analyze some important factors and immunological phenomena related to neoantigen cancer vaccines, with particular emphasis on recently published Phase I clinical trials. Several obstacles and issues are addressed that challenge the current paradigm and inquire if neoantigens, which are essentially single-use vaccine candidates, are legitimate targets to induce protective immune responses with regard to the evolving mutational landscape. We also share insights into the striking similarities between cancer and antigenically variable pathogens and suggest that any successful vaccine against either should demonstrate a similar property: efficient induction of a diverse pool of immune cells equipped to prevent immune escape. Hence, to confront antigenic variability directly, we have employed our innovative vaccine concept, Variable Epitope Libraries, composed of large combinatorial libraries of heavily mutated epitopes, as a "universal" vaccine platform. Collectively, we offer critical analyses on key issues, which ultimately reflect on the prospective clinical relevance of personalized neoantigen vaccines which is still undefined.
Subject(s)
Antigens, Neoplasm/therapeutic use , Cancer Vaccines/therapeutic use , Neoplasms/therapy , Vaccine Development/methods , Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics , Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology , Cancer Vaccines/genetics , Cancer Vaccines/immunology , Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic , Epitopes/genetics , Epitopes/immunology , Humans , Immunogenicity, Vaccine , Mutation , Neoplasms/genetics , Neoplasms/immunology , Treatment Outcome , Tumor Escape/genetics , Vaccine Development/trendsABSTRACT
Infectious diseases are a worldwide concern. They are responsible for increasing the mortality rate and causing economic and social problems. Viral epidemics and pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, force the scientific community to consider molecules with antiviral activity. A number of viral infections still do not have a vaccine or efficient treatment and it is imperative to search for vaccines to control these infections. In this context, nanotechnology in association with the design of vaccines has presented an option for virus control. Nanovaccines have displayed an impressive immune response using a low dosage. This review aims to describe the advances and update the data in studies using nanovaccines and their immunomodulatory effect against human viruses.