Non-small cell lung cancer-associated antigens (MAGE-A3, CLDN6, KK-LC-1, PRAME, MAGE-A4, MAGE-C1) (BNT116 antigens)

BNT116 is an mRNA-based cancer vaccine candidate developed by BioNTech that encodes a fixed set of six tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) frequently expressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) [4, 6]. These antigens include MAGE-A3, CLDN6, KK-LC-1, PRAME, MAGE-A4, and MAGE-C1, which are primarily cancer-testis or oncofetal antigens with limited expression in normal adult tissues [4, 5]. The vaccine utilizes BioNTech's FixVac platform, delivering the mRNA via a lipoplex system to dendritic cells, where the antigens are produced and presented to the immune system [1, 2]. This process is designed to induce a robust, targeted T-cell mediated immune response against NSCLC cells expressing these specific markers [3, 7]. BNT116 is currently being evaluated in clinical trials, such as the LuCa-MERIT-1 study, both as a monotherapy and in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors like cemiplimab or chemotherapy [8, 11]. The goal of this therapeutic approach is to enhance the immunogenicity of tumor cells and provide a precision medicine alternative for patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC [9, 12]. Clinical data have shown that the vaccine is generally well-tolerated, with common side effects including pyrexia and chills, consistent with immune activation [11, 14].

Other names

Tumor-associated antigens encoded by BNT116FixVac NSCLC antigensBNT116-encoded TAAsLuCa-MERIT-1 antigens

Induction of a targeted T-cell mediated immune response against tumor cells expressing specific tumor-associated antigens via mRNA-mediated antigen expression in dendritic cells.