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iPSC vaccine demonstrates preventive and therapeutic effects against colorectal cancer
Last reviewed: 09.08.2025
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Scientists from National Taiwan University, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Harvard Medical School presented a detailed study showing that a vaccine based on inactivated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) simultaneously inhibits the growth of colorectal tumors and treats already formed tumors in mice.
Dual strategy: prevention and therapy
- Prevention. Mice were immunized three times at weekly intervals with irradiated inactivated murine iPSCs in combination with the CpG ODN 1826 adjuvant. Two weeks after the last vaccination, the animals were subcutaneously transplanted with MC38 CRC cells. In vaccinated mice, subsequent tumor growth was reduced by almost 60% compared to the control group.
- Therapy. When the same vaccine was administered after the formation of small tumor nodes, the growth of neoplasms slowed by more than 50%.
Mechanism via CD8⁺ T lymphocytes
Immunological analysis of tumor tissue revealed a significant increase in the number of infiltrating CD8⁺ cytotoxic T cells in tumor areas in vaccinated mice. Experimental depletion of CD8⁺ cells completely eliminated the antitumor effect, confirming the key role of this T-lymphocyte subpopulation.
Identification of new neoantigens
Using mass spectrometry and the NetMHCpan-4.1 algorithm, the authors identified two proteins within iPSCs, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U (HNRNPU) and nucleolin (NCL), that can act as neoantigens with high affinity for MHC I.
- Peptide vaccination. HNRNPU or NCL fragments administered with CpG adjuvant induced dendritic cell maturation and induced CD8⁺ T cell specific cytotoxicity.
- Effect on tumors: Mice treated with these peptides alone showed a reduction in MC38 tumor volume comparable to the full iPSC vaccine panel.
Prospects for clinical application
- Cellular vs. Peptide: While the whole iPSC vaccine works well in the model, the peptide versions of HNRNPU and NCL offer a more standardized and safer solution for humans.
- Prevention and immunotherapy: This approach could protect individuals at high risk for CRC and be part of combination treatment regimens for those already ill.
- Future steps: Safety and efficacy studies in large preclinical models are needed, followed by progression to phase I human clinical trials.
This study opens a new chapter in the development of universal iPSC-based and peptide vaccines against colorectal cancer, combining preventive and therapeutic potential in one platform.