Intertwining DNA-RNA nanocapsules loaded with tumor neoantigens as synergistic nanovaccines for cancer immunotherapy

Nat Commun. 2017 Nov 14;8(1):1482. doi: 10.1038/s41467-017-01386-7.

Abstract

Nanomedicines that co-deliver DNA, RNA, and peptide therapeutics are highly desirable yet remain underdeveloped for cancer theranostics. Herein, we report self-assembled intertwining DNA-RNA nanocapsules (iDR-NCs) that efficiently delivered synergistic DNA CpG and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) adjuvants, as well as tumor-specific peptide neoantigens into antigen presenting cells (APCs) in lymph nodes for cancer immunotherapy. These nanovaccines were prepared by (1) producing tandem CpG and shRNA via concurrent rolling circle replication and rolling circle transcription, (2) self-assembling CpG and shRNA into DNA-RNA microflowers, (3) shrinking microflowers into iDR-NCs using PEG-grafted cationic polypeptides, and (4) physically loading neoantigen into iDR-NCs. CpG and shRNA in iDR-NCs synergistically activate APCs for sustained antigen presentation. Remarkably, iDR-NC/neoantigen nanovaccines elicit 8-fold more frequent neoantigen-specific peripheral CD8+ T cells than CpG, induce T cell memory, and significantly inhibit the progression of neoantigen-specific colorectal tumors. Collectively, iDR-NCs represent potential DNA/RNA/peptide triple-co-delivery nanocarriers and synergistic tumor immunotherapeutic nanovaccines.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / chemical synthesis
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Antigen Presentation / immunology
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology*
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / immunology*
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / pharmacology
  • Cancer Vaccines / immunology*
  • Cancer Vaccines / pharmacology
  • Cancer Vaccines / therapeutic use
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / immunology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • CpG Islands / immunology
  • DNA / chemical synthesis
  • DNA / immunology
  • DNA / pharmacology
  • Drug Synergism
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Nanocapsules / administration & dosage
  • Peptides / immunology
  • RAW 264.7 Cells
  • RNA, Small Interfering / immunology
  • RNA, Small Interfering / pharmacology
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / genetics
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology
  • Theranostic Nanomedicine / methods*
  • Vaccination / methods*
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Cancer Vaccines
  • Nanocapsules
  • Peptides
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor
  • Stat3 protein, mouse
  • DNA