Dendritic cell targeted vaccines against cancer

Cancer immunotherapy uses the power of an army of defender cells, such as dendritic cells and T cells, to eradicate cancer. This study used a mouse model to develop an innovative vaccine that educated dendritic cells about the presence of cancer and allowed them to instruct T cells, the soldiers, to start attacking lung metastasis of melanoma. This research explored different types of melanoma-derived molecules and their suitability as vaccine targets. The results of this thesis may guide the development of more potent cancer therapies in humans.