Introduction
Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, with immunotherapy emerging as a groundbreaking approach to treatment. Among the various immunotherapeutic strategies, cancer vaccines have shown promise, particularly with the advent of mRNA technology. This review focuses on the advancements in mRNA-based cancer vaccines over the past five years, including their mechanism of action, neoantigen discovery, adjuvant identification, and delivery materials.
Mechanism of Action
mRNA vaccines work by introducing a single-stranded molecule that encodes viral proteins or neoantigens into the cytoplasm of antigen-presenting cells, such as dendritic cells. This process stimulates the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. The success of mRNA vaccines in combating COVID-19 has accelerated interest and research in their application for cancer treatment.
Neoantigen Discovery
Identifying suitable neoantigens is crucial for the development of effective mRNA cancer vaccines. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of RNA-derived neoantigens and the potential of cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) as targets for mRNA vaccines in specific cancers.
Adjuvant Identification
Adjuvants play a critical role in enhancing the efficacy of mRNA vaccines. Research has explored various adjuvants, including CpG oligodeoxynucleotides and monophosphoryl lipid A, to boost the immune response against cancer.
Delivery Materials
Effective delivery of mRNA vaccines into target cells is essential for their function. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are currently the predominant delivery method, but new materials and methods are being investigated to improve delivery efficiency and reduce side effects.
Clinical Trials
Numerous clinical trials are underway to explore the potential of mRNA cancer vaccines. These trials aim to activate neoantigen-specific T cells, offering new hope for patients with various types of cancer.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the promising advancements, challenges remain in the development of mRNA cancer vaccines, including the need for more efficient delivery systems, the identification of suitable adjuvants, and the selection of appropriate patients for treatment. Future research will focus on overcoming these challenges and exploring combination therapies to enhance the efficacy of mRNA vaccines in cancer treatment.
In conclusion, mRNA-based cancer vaccines represent a promising frontier in cancer immunotherapy, with ongoing research and clinical trials paving the way for their future application in combating cancer.