NY-ESO-1 Protein Vaccine Combining Alum, CpG ODN, and HH2 Complex Adjuvant Induces Protective and Therapeutic Anti-Tumor Responses in Murine Multiple Myeloma

BACKGROUND: NY-ESO-1 is an ideal target for multiple myeloma immunotherapy. Alum, CpG ODN and HH2 complex is a safe and effective adjuvant for cancer vaccine. METHODS: We constructed NY-ESO-1 protein vaccine combined with alum, CpG ODN, and HH2 complex adjuvant to immunize the BALB/c mice inoculated with NS-1 murine multiple myeloma cells. Then, we determined the immunogenicity and anti-tumor effects in prophylactic and therapeutic models by analyzing the NY-ESO-1 antibody titer, evaluating IL4/INF-γ expression, and assessing cytotoxic T lymphocytes activities. The side-effects of vaccines were also evaluated. RESULTS: The group of NY-ESO-1 protein vaccine combining alum, CpG ODN, and HH2 complex adjuvant is more capable of stimulating both humoral and cellular tumor-specific immune responses to prolong the survival of the mice and inhibit tumor growth in prophylactic and therapeutic immunotherapy. The marked side-effects were not detected in immunized mice. DISCUSSION: The results suggest that alum, CpG ODN, and HH2 complex as a novel immune adjuvant combined cancer vaccine could improve the immunity efficiency in a murine multiple myeloma model.