Theranostics: Scientists develop universal vaccine against colorectal cancer

Scientists from National Taiwan University have developed a vaccine based on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) that successfully prevented and slowed the development of colorectal cancer in mice.

The results were published in the journal Theranostics.

Under the guidance of Professor Tzu-Tang Wei, the researchers used lysates (products of cell destruction) from iPSCs combined with the immunostimulant CpG. This combination activated the immune response in the animals, significantly suppressing tumour growth. Moreover, the vaccine worked both as a therapeutic and preventive measure: mice that received the vaccine before being exposed to cancer cells showed resistance to the disease.

Using mass spectrometry and computer modelling, the researchers identified two proteins — HNRNPU and NCL — that are active both in iPSCs and cancer cells but are almost absent in healthy tissues. These proteins became targets for the immune system: dendritic cells "introduced" them to T cells, thereby triggering a powerful anti-tumour response.

According to the scientists, the main advantage of this vaccine is its universality. Its use does not require knowledge of the specific mutations of a particular tumour. Thanks to the similarity between iPSCs and tumour cells, the immune system can be prepared in advance, long before the disease develops.

This approach opens new possibilities for creating universal cancer vaccines that could potentially be used in a wide range of patients. Previously, iPSCs were mainly used in regenerative medicine, but now they show promise as a platform for fighting cancer.

By Vugar Khalilov