Overview
- UMass Amherst researchers reported the results in Cell Reports Medicine on October 9, detailing a preventive cancer vaccine tested in murine models.
- The lipid nanoparticles co-encapsulate STING and TLR4 agonists with tumor antigens to coordinate innate and adaptive immunity in a prime–boost–boost regimen.
- In tumor lysate studies, 88% of pancreatic, 75% of triple-negative breast, and 69% of melanoma models rejected tumors, and vaccinated mice did not develop lung metastases on systemic challenge.
- Peptide-based tests kept 80% of mice tumor-free through 250 days and showed durable, tumor-specific T-cell memory upon re-challenge.
- The team has formed NanoVax Therapeutics to pursue translational steps and potential therapeutic applications, noting the findings remain preclinical and may not translate to humans.