Definition

An mRNA-based, personalized cancer vaccine consisting of total tumor RNA (TTRNA) derived from autologous tumor cells, formulated in DOTAP lipid nanoparticles, with potential immunostimulatory and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration of the autologous total tumor mRNA loaded liposome vaccine, the mRNA is taken up, translated and presented by antigen presenting cells (APCs). The expressed epitopes are then presented via major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on the surface of the APCs. This leads to an induction of both cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL)- and memory T-cell-dependent immune responses that specifically target and destroy the patient’s cancer cells that express these tumor antigens.