Preparation and in Vivo Anti-Tumor Evaluation of Human Papillomavirus E7 Adjuvanted With Montanide Isa 266 As A Vaccine Candidate

Introduction: human papillomavirus (hpv) 16 e7 protein is expressed constitutively by hpv-infected tumor cells. mutant versions of e7 are considered as safer candidates for immunotherapy of cervical cancer. different strategies including formulation with adjuvants are used to induce a potent immune response against antigenic proteins. methods: in this experimental study, we used escherichia coli as a host to recombinantly express wild-type e7 and its mutant non-oncogenic form as e7ggg. we formulated both antigens with montanide isa 266 adjuvant and evaluated ifn-γ and il-4 cytokines and antibody levels and also tumor regression in tumor-harboring c57bl/6 mice. results: it was demonstrated that formulation of e7 and e7ggg antigens with montanide isa 266 resulted in a th2-biased immune response. in the therapeutic mouse model, these formulations resulted in significant tumor regression compared to the control group. conclusion: the formulation of the wild-type e7 and mutant e7ggg with montanide isa 266 might not be an optimal approach to regress tc-1 induced tumor; however, such combinations might be considered as an additive approach for stimulating the immune responses.