Immunostimulatory DNA sequences and cancer therapy

The relationship between the immune system and malignancy is extremely complex. Recent advances in our understanding of this interaction, and the success of select monoclonal antibody treatments of cancer, have reawakened interest in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Recent recognition of the potent immunostimulatory effects of select sequences of DNA suggest that such agents may well be important if cancer immunotherapy is to play a major role in our treatment and prevention of malignancy. Preliminary studies suggest these sequences can be effective, alone or in combination with antibodies, at inducing tumor regression. Perhaps even more promising is their ability to enhance development of an antigen-specific antitumor response when used as a vaccine adjuvant, as an agent capable of stimulating APCs or as part of DNA immunization strategy. Further work with Immunostimulatory DNA in both the laboratory and the clinic is needed before we can know their true promise in cancer therapy.