human telomerase reverse transcriptase messenger RNA-loaded dendritic cells + survivin messenger RNA-loaded dendritic cells

human telomerase reverse transcriptase messenger RNA-loaded dendritic cells + survivin messenger RNA-loaded dendritic cells is an autologous cellular immunotherapy developed by researchers at Oslo University Hospital for the treatment of advanced cancers, specifically metastatic melanoma. The vaccine is produced by isolating a patient's monocytes, differentiating them into dendritic cells (DCs), and transfecting them via electroporation with messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding two key tumor-associated antigens: human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and survivin (BIRC5). These antigens are highly expressed in most cancer cells but have limited expression in normal tissues, making them ideal targets for immunotherapy. The DCs are matured using a cytokine cocktail (Jonuleit cocktail) to optimize their antigen-presenting capabilities. Upon administration, the vaccine aims to stimulate the patient's own T cells to recognize and destroy tumor cells. In clinical studies, this vaccine has been evaluated in combination with adoptive T-cell therapy (ex-vivo expanded autologous T cells) to enhance clinical outcomes in stage IV melanoma patients.

Other names

hTERT/survivin mRNA-loaded DC vaccinehTERT/survivin mRNA-loaded autologous dendritic cellsautologous mRNA-loaded dendritic cell vaccine (hTERT/survivin)