Generally, cancer vaccines are divided into preventive cancer vaccines and therapeutic cancer vaccines. The former is usually used to prevent cancer caused by viruses, while the latter is used to treat advanced or recurrent tumors that are difficult to treat with conventional therapies. The main purpose of cancer vaccine development is to promote tumor regression, avoid non-specific or adverse reactions, and establish long-lasting and powerful anti-tumor memory. Alfa Cytology offers comprehensive cancer vaccine development services based on our technical expertise and extensive experience.
Fig. 1 Roadmap to next-generation cancer vaccines. (Zheng, Y., et al., 2022)
Cancer vaccines typically contain specific tumor antigens supplemented by adjuvants and some other stimulating factors, which activate antigen-presenting cells (APCs), such as dendritic cells (DC), through exogenous administration, thereby stimulating adaptive immune responses against tumors containing that antigen.
Fig. 2 The schematic diagram of cancer vaccine mechanism.
Usually, a large number of specific antigens are delivered to APCs to induce their activation, maturation, and migration to secondary lymphoid organs, where they cultivate immature T cells. After activation, T cells return to the tumor microenvironment (TME) which leads to direct destruction of cancer cells. Ultimately, it leads to sustained activation of T cells, infiltration of TME, and maintenance of response.
Alternatively, cancer vaccines can be developed from endogenous sources, a method known as in situ (ISV). It involves obtaining antigens from dying or dying cells in TME.
Cancer vaccines are one of the important methods for treating cancer, but research has found that immune tolerance is an important factor that must be overcome, hence Alfa Cytology offers adjuvant and delivery system development services to enhance immune response and overcome peripheral tolerance in diseases.
Cancer Vaccine Adjuvants Development
The immune response triggered by vaccines needs to be strong enough to effectively eliminate cancer cells. Therefore, in addition to the cancer antigen itself, additional adjuvants such as stimulatory factors or cytokines are usually needed in vaccines to enhance immune responses. Otherwise, it may lead to insufficient activation or weakened function of the final T cells.
Cancer Vaccine Delivery Systems Development
The integrity and persistence of antigens need to be ensured when vaccines are loaded with antigens, so the reasonable development of antigen delivery systems is very important. Antigen protection and release are carried out according to different mechanisms, ultimately ensuring the perfect transmission of signals and sustained activation of reactions.
We have extensive experience in the field of cancer vaccine development.
We have advanced laboratory facilities and technology platforms.
We can provide customized solutions based on specific customer needs and project objectives.
We are committed to providing high-quality research results and reliable data support.
Alfa Cytology has extensive experience in the field of cancer vaccine development. We provide professional and complete services throughout the entire development process, from antigen prediction and identification to preclinical testing. If you are interested in our services, please contact us to get more information.
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