Definition

A cell-based cancer vaccine containing autologous dendritic cells (DCs) that are transduced with a replication-deficient adenovirus type 5 vector (Ad5) encoding a mutated form of the tumor-associated antigen (TAA) survivin, with potential immunostimulatory and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, Ad5-survivin-transduced autologous DC vaccine may elicit an immune response against cancer cells expressing survivin by activating cytotoxic T cells (CTLs). This leads to an induction of cell death in survivin-positive tumor cells. Survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family of proteins, may be upregulated in certain tumor cell types and plays a key role in tumor cell growth and survival.