Further baby steps on the way to an effective cancer vaccine

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Cancer Vaccine Design: A Novel Bacterial Adjuvant for

Peptide-Specific CTL Induction

Isabelle Miconnet, et. al.

Cancer vaccines are a promising new treatment

modality. Attempts are continuing to enhance the

efficacy of vaccines.

Researchers in Europe tested the idea of using

proteins from the membrane of Klebsellia pneumonia

virus (P40) as an way to activate cytotoxic T

lymphocytes(CTL, aka killer T cells).

Researchers mixed protein fragments called peptides

from melanoma cells with the P40, and injected the

result into mouse 'volunteers'.

The result after 10 days was a potent stimulation of

the mouse's CTL. The response depended upon the

amount of P40 present in the immunization. The

treatment delayed tumor growth, indicating the

potential of this type of combination.

The researchers said this vaccine idea has " important

implications for the development of cancer vaccines. "

They continued, " the use of P40 (is) a particularly

practical immunotherapy approach. "

Not only is P40 a potent immune-response stimulator,

but unlike many other adjuvants, it is safe, according

to the scientists.

See:

http://www.jimmunol.org/cgi/content/abstract/166/7/4612

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