journal article·2026-06-22Open access

A Chemically Defined Four‐Component Self‐Adjuvanting Tn Vaccine Activating Mincle, FcγR, and CD206 for Enhanced Antitumor Immunity

Wenbo Ming, Renyu Zhang, Xiaohui Li, Guiqi Li, Yu Niu, Deying Yang, Xiang Luo, Jun Liao, Zhongqiu Liu, Guochao Liao

Abstract

ABSTRACT Tumor‐associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs), such as the Tn antigen, are promising targets for cancer vaccines but are limited by their low immunogenicity and a lack of T‐cell responses. Traditional carrier‐protein conjugates often encounter issues such as epitope suppression and heterogeneous formulations. Herein, we present the design, synthesis, and immunological evaluation of a chemically defined, four‐component self‐adjuvanting glycoconjugate. This molecule combines multiple innate immune activation strategies into a single, unimolecular framework, incorporating (1) a synthetic Tn as the B‐cell epitope; (2) vizantin, a strong Mincle agonist, as an internal adjuvant; (3) rhamnose to attract endogenous antibodies for Fcγ receptor–mediated uptake; and (4) mannose to target dendritic cells through CD206. By ensuring precise co‐delivery and synergistic activation of Mincle, Fcγ receptor, and CD206 pathways, this construct induces strong IgG switching, Th1‑type cytokine responses, and significant tumor suppression in mice. This research offers a versatile chemical approach for next‑generation TACA vaccines, illustrating how activating multiple innate pathways can overcome the longstanding limitations of carbohydrate‐based immunotherapies.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Immunotherapy and Immune Responses · Monoclonal and Polyclonal Antibodies Research · Carbohydrate Chemistry and Synthesis

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Chinese Medicine Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine Guangzhou China

Chinese Medicine Guangdong Laboratory Hengqin China

Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University Zhanjiang China

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology College of Basic Medical Sciences Second Military Medical University Shanghai China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · National Key Research and Development Program of China · Department of Education of Guangdong Province · Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province

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