Tumor-associated antigens presented by ERC1671 (ERC1671 TAAs) (ERC1671 TAAs)

Tumor-associated antigens presented by ERC1671 represent a broad spectrum of molecular targets derived from a combination of autologous and allogeneic glioblastoma cells (Bota et al., 2022, CNS Drugs). ERC1671, also known as Gliovac, is a cell-based vaccine composed of inactivated tumor cells and lysates from the patient and three distinct donors, designed to overcome the high antigenic heterogeneity characteristic of glioblastoma multiforme (Schijns et al., 2015, Vaccines). By presenting a wide array of antigens, the vaccine aims to stimulate a robust and diverse immune response, including the activation of cytotoxic T cells and helper T cells (NCT01903330, ClinicalTrials.gov). This approach is intended to circumvent the immune evasion strategies of tumors that might occur with single-antigen vaccines. Clinically, ERC1671 is often administered alongside low-dose cyclophosphamide to reduce regulatory T cell activity and sargramostim to enhance antigen presentation (Bota et al., 2022). It is primarily investigated for the treatment of recurrent, bevacizumab-resistant glioblastoma, where it has demonstrated potential in improving overall survival in clinical trials. The target is not a single protein but a collective set of antigens that define the specific immunogenic profile of the glioma cells used in the preparation.

Other names

GliovacERC-1671Autologous and allogeneic glioma cell vaccine antigens

ERC1671 (Gliovac) functions as an active immunotherapy that presents a comprehensive array of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) to the patient's immune system. These antigens are derived from a mixture of the patient's own (autologous) and three donor (allogeneic) inactivated glioma cells and lysates (Schijns et al., 2015, Vaccines). This multi-valent presentation triggers a broad immune response, activating both CD4+ helper T cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells to recognize and eliminate glioblastoma cells (Bota et al., 2022, CNS Drugs). The inclusion of allogeneic cells is intended to provide a wider range of targets, potentially overcoming the immune evasion caused by the high mutational burden and heterogeneity of the tumor (NCT01903330, ClinicalTrials.gov).