Triple tandem mimotope peptide of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor displaying on the surface of M13 phage induces anti-tumor response in mice tumor model

Abstract

Introduction: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been shown to play a critical role in tumor cell growth and its overexpression has been observed in many epithelial tumors. In the field of cancer vaccine research, displaying the peptide mimotope on the surface of phage particles has shown promising results. Methods: In this study using m13-PVIII phage display system, two constructs were prepared: triple tandem repeat of EGFR mimotpe displaying particles (3M) and single EGFR mimotope displaying phage particle (1M). To investigate the anti-tumor properties of phage vaccine, C57BL/6 mice Lewis lung carcinoma xenograft model was established and treated with 3M phage vaccine, 1M phage vaccine and control agents. Results: Immunization of mice with these phage-based vaccines showed strong immune response against phage-mimotope. 3M phage vaccine showed more potency against tumor in comparison with control groups. Also the survival time was extended in phage vaccine treated tumor-bearing mice compared with untreated mice. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that mimotope-displaying phage vaccine can induce specific antibodies with antitumoral activity, which its potential as a candidate vaccine for EGFR-specific cancer immunotherapy needs to be more investigated in future studies.