Overview

• Researchers at the German Cancer Research Center and Heidelberg University's SILVACX group developed coated silica nanoparticles that carry HPV16 E6/E7 peptide epitopes to antigen-presenting cells.
• In MHC-humanized mice, the vaccine activated robust cytotoxic T-cell responses and partially or completely suppressed established HPV-positive tumors, extending survival in some cases.
• Combining the nanoparticle formulation with an immune adjuvant amplified T-cell activation and produced the strongest antitumor effects reported in the study.
• Silica carriers protected peptide epitopes from rapid degradation and offered stability and ease of manufacture that may lessen dependence on cold-chain storage.
• The peer-reviewed study appears in OncoImmunology and targets an unmet need because licensed HPV vaccines prevent infection but do not treat existing lesions or tumors.