DNA vaccination and gene therapy: optimization and delivery for cancer therapy

Abstract

This review will focus on DNA vaccine approaches for the prevention or treatment of cancer and its complications. DNA vaccine therapies are a relatively novel method of cancer treatment with the goal to induce immunity against tumor-associated antigens. Both viral and nonviral vaccines have been tested in preclinical and clinical models with variable success. However, the development of new delivery methods, such as electroporation, as well as the use of agents that improve antigen uptake or presentation, and the optimization of the transgene sequences, are overcoming historical drawbacks. Efficacy and safety issues of the in vivo use of DNA-based vaccines, as well as data from preclinical and recent clinical studies, are discussed. Novel developments will improve clinical efficacy, with the potential for DNA vaccination to enter in to the arsenal of cancer therapies in the near future.

Keywords::

• cancer
• DNA vaccine
• electroporation
• immune therapy
• plasmid

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Amir S Khan for his assistance with the editorial review of our manuscript.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.