What are Neoantigens?

Neoantigens are unique protein fragments produced by cancer cells due to genetic mutations. These altered proteins, distinct from those in normal cells, are recognized by the immune system as foreign, making them ideal targets for personalized cancer vaccines. Neoantigens differ from tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), as they are exclusively presented by tumor cells, allowing for more precise immune targeting.

How are Neoantigens identified?

Identifying neoantigens involves several steps, including obtaining tumor biopsies and patient blood samples, performing whole exome sequencing (WES), and using RNA sequencing to map cancer-specific mutations. These mutations are then analyzed in silico to predict potential neoantigens.

Some research groups further validate these predictions through mass spectrometry, which detects neoantigen-derived peptides on the surface of cancer cells.

Delivery platforms for Neoantigen cancer vaccines

Several platforms are available for delivering neoantigen cancer vaccines, each with its distinct strengths:

• DNA vaccines: These are easy to manufacture and can carry multiple antigens but require transcription and translation before the immune system can respond.
• mRNA vaccines: These are closer to protein expression, bypassing the transcription step required by DNA vaccines. However, they present logistical challenges related to storage and stability.
• Dendritic cell vaccines: These vaccines use dendritic cells loaded with neoantigens to stimulate an immune response, showing promising results in clinical trials.
• Peptide Vaccines: Peptides offer flexibility in design, stability, and safety. They are easy to modify and can be stored without requiring a cold chain, making them a practical option for vaccine development.

Translating Neoantigen peptide vaccines into clinical applications

Three strategies are employed for clinical applications of neoantigen peptide vaccines:

• Stratification: Selecting patients based on specific tumor criteria for targeted therapy.
• Warehouse-based personalization: Using a predefined set of peptides for vaccination tailored to the patient’s HLA type.
• Full personalization: Designing and producing patient-specific vaccines based on individual sequencing data.

Formulating neoantigen peptide vaccines

Effective neoantigen peptide vaccines must include both CD8+ and CD4+ epitopes to activate cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and T-helper cells, respectively. The length and composition of the peptides are crucial for a robust immune response. Synthetic long peptides (SLPs) and recombinant overlapping peptides (ROPs) are among the promising approaches being explored.

Overcoming Challenges in Peptide-Based Cancer Vaccines

Despite the potential of peptide-based cancer vaccines, achieving strong clinical efficacy remains challenging. Barriers include tumor heterogeneity, antigen loss, and immune suppression within the tumor microenvironment. Selecting strong adjuvants to boost T cell responses is critical for the success of these vaccines.

Intavis Peptide Services: supporting Neoantigen vaccine trials

Intavis also offers specialized analytical services and peptide libraries to support ongoing clinical trials, understanding the critical importance of speed and precision in developing personalized cancer therapies.

?Why Choose Intavis Peptide Services?

With over 30 years of experience in peptide synthesis, Intavis Peptide Services is uniquely positioned as the only one-stop-shop worldwide that can provide both peptide drug substance and drug product for personalized neoantigen peptide cancer vaccines from a single source. Our adherence to stringent German/European GMP regulations, combined with our fast and reliable services, ensures that your clinical trial proceeds with minimized risk and maximized efficiency.

From initial consultation to final product delivery, Intavis Peptide Services is committed to supporting the successful development of neoantigen-based cancer therapies, ensuring that every step is executed with precision and care.

Book a meeting with us Today Neoantigen Peptide Cancer Vaccine Trials – Intavis Peptide Services