Abstract
Following activation with various stimuli, epidermal Langerhans cell-mediated skin immunity augments cytotoxic T lymphocyte and Th1-cell activity, thereby playing a central role in tumor immunity. We take advantage of activated Langerhans cells as a powerful vaccine vector in the therapeutic strategy against melanoma. Topical application of melanoma-specific epitopes to stratum corneum-removed skin induces strong cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses, leading to a vaccination and therapeutic effect on tumor progression. Incorporation of Th1-dominant peptides and adjuvant will be of specific and unspecific help, and with deletion of immune suppressors should provide better clinical outcomes from this novel Langerhans cell-based immunotherapy.
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.