Flk-1 DNA vaccine

Flk-1 DNA vaccine is an experimental immunotherapy designed to inhibit tumor angiogenesis by targeting fetal liver kinase-1 (Flk-1), the murine ortholog of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). Expressed predominantly on proliferating endothelial cells within the tumor vasculature, Flk-1 serves as a critical mediator of blood vessel formation. The vaccine typically consists of a plasmid encoding the extracellular domain of Flk-1, often delivered via attenuated bacterial vectors like *Salmonella typhimurium* or direct plasmid injection. Its mechanism of action involves the induction of a robust immune response, including CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes and specific antibodies, that selectively target and destroy VEGFR-2-positive endothelial cells. This targeted depletion disrupts the tumor's nutrient supply, thereby suppressing tumor growth and metastasis. Preclinical research has explored its potential in various solid tumors and ocular neovascularization, sometimes incorporating molecular adjuvants like complement component C3d to enhance immunogenicity.

Other names

VEGFR-2 DNA vaccineVEGFR2 DNA vaccineVEGFR 2 DNA vaccinefetal liver kinase-1 DNA vaccineanti-angiogenesis DNA vaccine