Tumour microproteins could provide basis for cancer vaccines

A recent study published in Science Advances has identified a set of microproteins produced exclusively in liver tumours, which may provide a clear target for the development of a cancer vaccine. 

Data from tumours and healthy tissue from over 100 liver cancer patients were integrated and allowed the researchers to identify the tumour microproteins. These microprotein molecules were coded by genes previously thought incapable of encoding proteins. Mar Alba, an ICREA researcher at the Hospital del Mar Research Institute, commented “In recent years, there has been increasing attention to this group of genes, which, due to their short length or low expression, were considered non-coding. New techniques have revealed that some of these genes can indeed produce small molecules.” These techniques include computational techniques like transcriptomics, proteomics, and translatomics. Laboratory experiments aimed at studying immune responses supplemented the studies. 

The mechanism of cancer vaccines involves the immune system’s ability to recognise and target foreign cancer cells and the peptides they generate. However, low mutation rates in cancer cells have provided a challenge for the development of effective cancer vaccines. Microproteins, once believed too difficult to detect, can offer an alternative to researchers. “This study shows that there is a significant number of microproteins exclusively expressed in tumour cells that could be used to develop new treatments,” Marta Espinosa Camarena, a Hospital del Mar Research Institute researcher, stated.  

Any potential cancer vaccine may also be used to treat many patients, as the same microproteins were expressed in several individuals. This differs from other potential cancer vaccine mechanisms that rely on patient-specific mutations. Puri Fortes, researcher at CIMA and CIBERehd, stated “We have seen that some of these microproteins can stimulate the immune system, potentially generating a response against cancer cells. This response can be enhanced with vaccines, similar to the coronavirus vaccines, but producing these microproteins. These vaccines could stop or reduce tumour growth.” 

Future research hopes to further explore the application of these microproteins in developing and administering cancer vaccines. 

Source: 

Microproteins found in tumors could lead to cancer vaccines [Accessed July 15, 2024] https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1050401