A nanovaccine targeting cancer stem cells and bulk cancer cells reduces post-surgical tumor relapse [RIP-Seq]

Currently there are no efficient strategies for tracking and eradicating CSCs. Here we propose a nanovaccine strategy, NICER, based on a nanovesicle system integrating CSC-specific antigen (CSA) display and epigenetic nano-regulator (ENR)-encapsulation with a dendritic cell (DC)-targeting aptamer, to simultaneously eradicate CSCs and bulk tumor cells.

Specifically, nanovesicles derived from aldehyde dehydrogenase-overexpressing tumors could serve as integrated antigens carrying both CSA and tumor associated antigen (TAA). ENR targeting YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 1 could restrict DC lysosomal protease activity to modulate the effective cross-presentation of integrated antigens via major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) for immune responses. Overall, NICER represents a broad-spectrum vaccine approach against both CSCs and bulk tumors that can significantly inhibit postoperative cancer recurrence and metastasis, prolonging survival rates.