Cancer Vaccine Uses Nanoparticles to Improve Human Immune Response Against Cancer Cells

A cancer vaccine using liposome cationic nanoparticles was developed by Iranian researchers at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, which works by activating the immunity system against one of the important cancer markers known as HER2/neu. It would have applications in pharmaceutical industries and in the treatment of breast, uterus, lung, and other types of cancer, the researchers say.

Dr. Seyed Amir Jalali, a member of the research team, explained the procedure of their project: "Immunogenic peptides from HER2/neu protein were firstly designed by using bioinformatics. Then, a cation called LPD was encapsulated inside the nanoparticles, and it was injected to rats suffering from tumors. In the end, the size of the tumor and the immunity response were measured in the rats."

Results showed that a very good immune response was created against the cancer markers by using such peptides, the scientists said. Another noticeable increase was observed when the liposome was added to the response.