Stem cells and cancer cells share cellular similarities and transcriptomic profiles that have led to the hypothesis that irradiated stem cells might be used as a vaccine for cancer treatment. Previous studies have shown that it is feasible to establish broad tumor immunity against multiple cancer types (including pancreatic cancer, PC) using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-based vaccines that deliver large amounts of tumor antigens to the immune system. Since iPSCs have the same antigens as PDAC cells and are immunogenic, they are a promising source of vaccine antigens, holding potential for novel immunotherapies against PC. Here we provide iPSC-based vaccine development services to support further development of iPSC vaccines and studies in PC preclinical models.
iPSCs and PC
Most PC patients have a low mutational burden and therefore a low number of neoantigens are generated for spontaneous anti-tumor immune responses induction by the adaptive immune system. Furthermore, PC usually has a strong immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), resulting in reduced drug response and poor immunogenicity. Therefore, cancer immunotherapy such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, which are mainly applicable to cancers with strong immunogenicity and high mutation burden, are limited. Notably, the presence of tumor-specific T cells in PC supports the continued interest in new immunotherapeutic strategies for this disease.
iPSCs serve as a unique source of tumor-associated antigens for immunotherapies. There are several advantages of iPSCs as an immunotherapeutic approach.
- iPSCs have immunogenic potential and express tumor-associated antigens (TAAs)
- Readily available and reliable cell source for cell-based immunotherapy
- Capable of large-scale production
The service offering at Alfa Cytology
iPSCs are an attractive cancer vaccine candidate because of their tumorigenic and immunogenic properties of autologous transplantation, suggesting their potential efficacy in cancer vaccination. In addition, autologous iPSCs can provide more accurate and representative tumor antigens compared to allogeneic embryonic stem cells (ESCs). In order to promote the development of iPSC-based vaccines for PC, we offer the following services, including,
- iPSC-based vaccine preparation
iPSCs have immunogenic potential and express tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) that can be recognized and responded to by the adaptive immune system. Our vaccine preparation generally consists of sorting murine iPSCs for pluripotency, irradiation, suspension in adjuvant solution, and quality control.
- iPSC-based vaccine validation
Based on our advanced preclinical modeling platform, we can evaluate the antitumor efficacy and safety of iPSC-based cancer vaccines in multiple models of PC (including in vitro and in vivo PC models) and facilitate the development of iPSC-based vaccines. With reliable data and scientifically rigorous analysis, our services can not only help our customers assess the optimal vaccination schedule, but also provide additional information for in-depth studies of iPSC-based vaccines.
-Evaluate the efficacy of iPSC-based cancer vaccines
-Assess the immune-stimulatory effects of iPSC-based cancer vaccines
-Define the mechanism underlying the effectiveness
Alfa Cytology is a full-scale contract research organization (CRO) with extensive experience. Our vaccine development platform consists of dozens of scientists dedicated to translating fundamental knowledge about the PC immune system and its regulation in PC into the design of more effective vaccines and vaccine regimens. We are committed to helping our customers to design and develop more effective PC vaccines. For more about our iPSC-based vaccine development services for PC, please do not hesitate to contact us.
References
- Krog, Ricki T., et al. "The Potential of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells to Advance the Treatment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma." Cancers 13.22 (2021): 5789.
- Ouyang, Xiaoming, et al. "Antitumor effects of iPSC-based cancer vaccine in pancreatic cancer." Stem cell reports 16.6 (2021): 1468-1477.