A STING activator boosts a lipid-based mRNA cancer vaccine by increasing TNF-alpha release in living organisms

The C1-mRNA cancer vaccine with STING agonist significantly enhances antitumor activity.

• C1-mRNA nanovaccine previously demonstrated strong efficacy against tumors with high immunogenicity.
• Tumors with low immunogenicity could not be eliminated by the initial C1-mRNA vaccine alone.
• STING agonist was identified as an effective adjuvant to improve the C1-mRNA vaccine's therapeutic efficacy.
• The combination of C1-mRNA vaccine and STING agonist increased the production of type I interferon and pro-inflammatory cytokines in dendritic cells.
• Enhanced antigen presentation and T cell activation were observed with the STING adjuvanted C1-mRNA vaccine.
• Improved antitumor effects were linked to STING protein expression and TNF-α induction, while the roles of type I interferon and IL-12 appeared less critical.

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