RNA-transfected autologous dendritic cell vaccine (Duke University)

This experimental autologous cellular immunotherapy, developed by Duke University, is designed for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. The vaccine is produced by harvesting a patient's own monocytes via leukapheresis and differentiating them into mature dendritic cells (DCs). These DCs are then transfected via electroporation with messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding tumor-associated melanoma antigens. In specific clinical protocols, a subset of these DCs is also transfected with mRNA encoding immune-modulatory proteins, such as GITR ligand (GITR-L) and a monoclonal antibody against CTLA-4. This approach aims to deliver immune modulators locally at the site of vaccination (typically the lymph nodes) to enhance the activation and expansion of tumor-specific T cells while avoiding the systemic toxicities associated with intravenous administration of checkpoint inhibitors. The vaccine is administered via ultrasound-guided intranodal injection.

Other names

Autologous RNA-transfected dendritic cell vaccineMelanoma DC vaccine (Duke)RNA-transfected mature autologous DC vaccine