In situ expression of tumor antigens by messenger RNA-electroporated dendritic cells in lymph nodes of melanoma patients

  • Danita H Schuurhuis
  • , Pauline Verdijk
  • , Gerty Schreibelt
  • , Erik H J G Aarntzen
  • , Nicole Scharenborg
  • , Annemiek de Boer
  • , Mandy W M M van de Rakt
  • , Marieke Kerkhoff
  • , Marie-Jeanne P Gerritsen
  • , Femke Eijckeler
  • , Johannes J Bonenkamp
  • , Willeke Blokx
  • , J Han van Krieken
  • , Otto C Boerman
  • , Wim J G Oyen
  • , Cornelis J A Punt
  • , Carl G Figdor
  • , Gosse J Adema
  • , I Jolanda M de Vries

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Electroporation of dendritic cells (DC) with mRNA encoding tumor-associated antigens (TAA) for cancer immunotherapy has been proved efficient and clinically safe. It obviates prior knowledge of CTL and Th epitopes in the antigen and leads to the presentation of multiple epitopes for several HLA alleles. Here we studied the migration capacity and the antigen expression of mRNA-electroporated DC (mRNA-DC) in lymph nodes after vaccination in melanoma patients. DC were electroporated with mRNA encoding gp100 or tyrosinase, labeled with indium-111 and superparamagnetic iron oxide particles, and injected intranodally in melanoma patients 24 to 48 hours before scheduled dissection of regional lymph nodes. Immunohistochemical analysis of the lymph nodes after surgery revealed that mRNA-DC migrated from the injection site into the T-cell areas of the same and subsequent lymph nodes, where they expressed the antigen encoded by the electroporated mRNA. Furthermore, vaccine-related CD8(+) T-cell responses could be detected in 7 of 11 patients vaccinated with mRNA-DC. Together these data show that mature DC electroporated with mRNA encoding TAA migrate and express antigens in the lymph nodes and induce specific immune responses.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2927-34
Number of pages8
JournalCancer Research
Volume69
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Antigens, Neoplasm/biosynthesis
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
  • Dendritic Cells/immunology
  • Electroporation/methods
  • HLA-A2 Antigen/immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
  • Indium Radioisotopes
  • Lymph Nodes/immunology
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Melanoma/immunology
  • RNA, Messenger/genetics

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