Journal of Vaccine Research 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 183-195 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/jvr 183 Research Insight Open Access The Role of Adjuvants in Enhancing Cancer Vaccine Efficacy Jianmin Liu Sinovac Biotech Co., Ltd., Haiding, 100193, Beijing, China Corresponding email: Jianminliu@sinovac.com Journal of Vaccine Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.4 doi: 10.5376/jvr.2024.14.0018 Received: 17 Jun., 2024 Accepted: 22 Jul., 2024 Published: 05 Aug., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Liu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Liu J.M., 2024, The role of adjuvants in enhancing cancer vaccine efficacy, Journal of Vaccine Research, 14(4): 183-195 (doi: 10.5376/jvr.2024.14.0018) Abstract The development of cancer vaccines has been significantly advanced by the incorporation of adjuvants, which enhance the immunogenicity of tumor antigens and improve clinical efficacy. Adjuvants can be broadly categorized into those that act as depots for antigens and those that function as immunostimulants. Recent research highlights the importance of combinatorial adjuvant strategies that target multiple branches of the immune response to overcome challenges such as poor antigen immunogenicity and tumor immune evasion. Personalized cancer vaccines, which utilize individualized tumor-specific antigens, have shown promise, particularly when combined with novel adjuvants and delivery systems. Additionally, the mode of administration, such as intratumoral delivery, has been shown to significantly enhance the immune response compared to traditional methods. The role of dendritic cells in cross-presentation and the activation of cytotoxic T cells is crucial for the efficacy of these vaccines. This study discusses the various adjuvant strategies, including chemical and biological approaches, that are being explored to enhance the potency and effectiveness of cancer vaccines. Keywords Cancer vaccines; Adjuvants; Immunogenicity; Tumor microenvironment; Dendritic cells 1 Introduction Cancer vaccines represent a promising approach in the fight against cancer by harnessing the body's immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. These vaccines work by introducing specific antigens associated with cancer cells to the immune system, thereby stimulating an immune response that can recognize and attack tumors. Despite the theoretical potential and success in preclinical models, the clinical efficacy of cancer vaccines has been limited, with only a few achieving significant clinical benefits (Khong and Overwijk, 2016; Cuzzubbo et al., 2021; Kaczmarek et al., 2023). The complexity of the tumor microenvironment, the heterogeneity of cancer cells, and the immune system's ability to tolerate cancer cells are significant challenges that need to be addressed to improve the effectiveness of cancer vaccines (Bowen et al., 2018; Kaczmarek et al., 2023). Adjuvants are critical components in vaccine formulations that enhance the body's immune response to an antigen. In the context of cancer vaccines, adjuvants play a pivotal role in overcoming the immune system's tolerance to cancer cells and in enhancing the immunogenicity of the vaccine (Khong and Overwijk, 2016; Bonam et al., 2017; Cuzzubbo et al., 2021). They work by various mechanisms, including the activation of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), modulation of the tumor microenvironment, and stimulation of both innate and adaptive immune responses (Bowen et al., 2018; Li and Li, 2022). The development of novel adjuvants, such as lipid-containing adjuvants, Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, and nanomaterial-based adjuvants, has shown promise in preclinical and clinical studies (Bonam et al., 2017; Chen et al., 2021; Li and Li, 2022). These advancements highlight the importance of adjuvants in the design of effective cancer vaccines. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of adjuvants in enhancing the efficacy of cancer vaccines. Rresearchers will explore the mechanisms by which adjuvants enhance immune responses, discuss the current state of adjuvant development, and highlight the challenges and future directions in this field. By examining the latest research and clinical trials, this study aims to shed light on the potential of adjuvants to transform cancer vaccine therapy and improve patient outcomes. The scope of this study includes an analysis of various types of adjuvants, their mechanisms of action, and their application in different cancer vaccine strategies.
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