Chapters authored
Antigen-Presenting Cell/Tumour Cell Hybrid Vaccines in Cancer Immunotherapy
In recent years, there has been a considerable interest in the development of immunotherapeutic approaches for treating cancers, including strategies for inducing antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) capable of killing tumour cells in situ. These approaches include both the active induction of CTLs by vaccination of tumour bearing patients, and the ex vivo expansion of tumour-specific CTLs for adoptive cellular transfer. One promising approach has been through the generation of hybrid cells, formed by fusion of professional antigen presenting cells (pAPCs) with tumour cells expressing relevant tumour associated antigens. Dendritic cells (DCs) represent the most potent form of pAPCs, and have been widely used in the generation of APC/tumour cell hybrid vaccines, in the context of a range of tumour types. Studies of fusion cell vaccines in animals have demonstrated not only the induction of tumour-specific CTLs, but also protection against subsequent tumour challenge and regression of established tumours. Results of clinical trials in patients have been less dramatic, but have shown the ability of hybrid vaccines to induce tumour-specific T cell responses, in some instances associated with disease stabilization or tumour regression. In addition to dendritic cell fusion vaccines, a number of non-DC fusion vaccines have been described.
Part of the book: Immunotherapy
The Future of HIV Vaccine Development, Learned Lessons from COVID-19 Pandemic
With nearly 13 million new HIV infections in 2022, it is imperative that as many preventive options be available to those most at risk. Without doubt, an effective vaccine would be a game changer, and despite the disappointments and challenges, the development of an effective HIV vaccine should remain a priority. The past few years have been tough for HIV vaccine research, with several high-profile trials being stopped early and others having negative results. With every setback, however, there are lessons to be learned. Neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs), either by giving infusions of bnAbs or by eliciting the immune system to generate its own, are the main emphasis. The focus seems to be on the development of mRNA vaccine approaches using technologies pioneered during the development of COVID-19 vaccines. mRNA platforms are being used in many of the current phase 1 vaccine studies. The quick development of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 will likely not be repeated with HIV, which is a much more formidable immunological foe than SARS-CoV-2. However, it is reassuring that vaccine trials are moving to sub-Saharan Africa, and large mRNA manufacturing facilities are being planned for the region.
Part of the book: New Topics in Vaccine Development [Working title]