Gene Therapy and Genetic Vaccines Publisher



Hemmati S^{1, 2, 3} ; Keshavarzfathi M^{1, 2, 3} ; Razi S^{1, 4} ; Rezaei N^{3, 5, 6} Show Affiliations
Source: Cancer Immunology: Bench to Bedside Immunotherapy of Cancers# Second Edition Published:2020

Abstract

Since genetic disruptions provoke a noticeable proportion of cancers, correcting genes' deficit accounts for promising approaches for cancer treatment. Advances in designing tumor-selective viral and nonviral vectors allow for more efficient gene delivery. Clinically approved gene therapies can be classified into several approaches such as sensitizing tumors to chemotherapies, targeting angiogenesis, and restoring tumor suppressing functions. Adjacent cells in tumors can enhance the transfection efficacy through the bystander effect in which delivered genes and toxic metabolites are transported between cells through gap junctions. Immunologic approaches to genetically modify antitumor T-cell activity are also of interest in the growing field of cancer gene therapy. In another immune-stimulating strategy, long-term protection against cancers can be maintained through DNA vaccines. Progressing investigations are made to enhance the immune responses against tumor-associated antigens, which are presented by cancer vaccines. Vaccine delivery methods are of great importance for better antigen presentation to the immune system. Developing prime-boost vaccines showed successful results in various cancers. In this chapter, primary concepts on viral and nonviral vectors will be elucidated. Important candidate genes in various approaches of gene therapies are also explained. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2015, 2021. All rights reserved.