ABSTRACT
Immunotherapy is gaining prominence as a promising strategy for treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Neoantigens (neoAgs) and cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) are tumor-specific targets originating from somatic mutations and epigenetic changes in cancer cells. These antigens hold great promise for personalized cancer vaccines, as supported by preclinical and early clinical evidence in TNBC. This review delves into the potential of neoAgs and CTAs as vaccine candidates, emphasizing diverse strategies and delivery approaches. It also highlights the current status of vaccination modalities undergoing clinical trials in TNBC therapy. A comprehensive understanding of neoAgs, CTAs, vaccination strategies, and innovative delivery methods is crucial for optimizing neoAg-based immunotherapies in clinical practice.
Subject(s)
Antigens, Neoplasm , Cancer Vaccines , Immunotherapy , Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms , Humans , Cancer Vaccines/administration & dosage , Cancer Vaccines/immunology , Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology , Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/immunology , Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/therapy , Female , Animals , Immunotherapy/methods , Clinical Trials as Topic , Drug Delivery Systems/methodsABSTRACT
Mitochondria are the powerhouses of cells and modulate the essential metabolic functions required for cellular survival. Various mitochondrial pathways, such as oxidative phosphorylation or production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are dysregulated during cancer growth and development, rendering them attractive targets against cancer. Thus, the delivery of antitumor agents to mitochondria has emerged as a potential approach for treating cancer. Recent advances in nanotechnology have provided innovative solutions for overcoming the physical barriers posed by the structure of mitochondrial organelles, and have enabled the development of efficient mitochondrial nanoplatforms. In this review, we examine the importance of mitochondria during neoplastic development, explore the most recent smart designs of nano-based systems aimed at targeting mitochondria, and highlight key mitochondrial pathways in cancer cells.
Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents , Nanoparticles , Neoplasms , Humans , Mitochondria/metabolism , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolismABSTRACT
Pyroptosis represents an inflammatory cell death form induced by inflammasomes and performed by gasdermins. It is characterized by swelling, pore formation, release of cellular content and the activation of innate immunity leading to inflammation. Hence, pyroptosis contributes to inflammatory conditions like cancer and has emerged as a promising immuno-strategy for treating cancer. The advent of nanotechnology, which overlaps with the discovery of pyroptotic cell death, has enabled the development of nano-based pyroptosis inducing platforms aimed at overcoming resistance to apoptosis and enhancing tumor immunity. In this paper, we will describe the various molecular pathways underlying pyroptosis, such as canonical and non-canonical pyroptosis. We will then explore the advances in the field of pyroptosis-based nanotherapeutics and their future implications.
