A novel fusion protein-based vaccine comprising a cell penetrating and immunostimulatory peptide linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 E7 antigen generates potent immunologic and anti-tumor responses in mice
Granadillo, M.; Vallespi, M.G.; Batte, A.; Mendoza, O.; Soria, Y.; Lugo, V.M.; Torrens, I.
Vaccine 29(5): 920-930
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 1873-2518
PMID: 21145912
DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.11.083
Accession: 051194702
The ultimate success of cancer vaccination is dependent upon the generation of tumor-specific CTLs. In this study, we designed and evaluated a novel fusion protein comprising a cell penetrating and immunostimulatory peptide corresponding to residues 32-51 of the Limulus polyphemus protein (LALF(32-51)) linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 E7 antigen (LALF(32-51)-E7). We demonstrated that LALF(32-51) penetrates the cell membrane and delivers E7 into cells. In a preclinical model of HPV16-induced cervical carcinoma we showed that vaccination with adjuvant-free LALF(32-51)-E7 fusion protein significantly improves the presentation of E7-derived peptides to T-cells in vitro and induces suppression of tumor growth.