DNA vaccines for cancer treatment: challenges and promises

DNA vaccines are novel therapeutic systems that induce immunity against antigens expressed in various disease conditions. A particular sequence from the gene of an antigen when incorporated into the vaccine carrier can allow for activation of immunological pathways such as cytotoxic T-cell pathways. Various strategies to enhance this mechanism include T-cell activating molecules like cytokines and xenogeneic p53 version of antigen, while also suppressing immune tolerance. Although the DNA-based nanosystems in cancer therapy have played crucial role, but have limited usage to various limitations. To improve the spatiotemporal of the vaccine, various vaccine nanocarriers including polymeric nanoparticles, lipid-based nanosystems, metal-based nanoparticles, and others have been summarized in this work.