Definition

A RNA-lipoplex (RNA-LIP)-based cancer vaccine containing messenger RNA (RNA) encoding for the human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) oncoproteins E6 and E7, encapsulated in liposomes, with potential immunomodulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon intravenous administration of the HPV16 E6/7 mRNA vaccine BNT113, the liposomes protect the RNA from degradation in the bloodstream, travel to the spleen and are taken up by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), especially dendritic cells (DCs). The RNA is translocated to the cytoplasm and translated into the E6 and E7 oncoproteins. The expressed proteins are processed and the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-peptide complexes are presented to the immune system. This results in the induction of antigen-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell responses against HPV16 E6 and E7. The viral neoantigens HPV16 E6 and E7 are found in HPV16-positive cancers.