Molecular Evaluation of the Therapeutic Potential of DNA-Based Vaccines Against Experimentally Induced Lung Cancer

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Egypt.

2 Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Damanhur University, Egypt

Abstract

Lung cancer, or lung carcinoma, is a malignant lung tumor characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in lung tissue. In Egypt, it has high morbidity and mortality rates.  Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly (I: C)) is a double-stranded RNA analog, a potent immunostimulatory agent that activates multiple components of the immune system, and cyclophosphamide is an alkylating cytotoxic drug that inhibits DNA synthesis to kill tumor cells. Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGF-β1) plasmid vaccine aims to neutralize or downregulate the immunosuppressive effects of TGF-β1, enhancing immune system activity against cancer cells. This study investigated the impact of the TGF-β1 plasmid vaccine, alone or in combination with cyclophosphamide and poly (I: C), on lung metastasis of B16/F10 murine melanoma cells in syngeneic C57BL/6 mice. The results demonstrated overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proteins in tumor-bearing or cyclophosphamide-treated mice. In contrast, the vaccine ameliorated the overexpression of EGFR and VEGF.
These findings suggest that the TGF-β1 plasmid vaccine, especially in combination with poly (I: C), effectively mitigates lung cancer progression in mice by inhibiting tumor growth, enhancing cell survival, and reducing the chemotherapy side effects. This study highlights the potential of the TGF-β1 plasmid vaccine as a promising therapeutic strategy for lung cancer.

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