Cancer vaccines, aimed at evolving the human immune system to eliminate tumor cells, have long been explored as a method of cancer treatment with significant clinical potential. Traditional delivery systems face significant challenges in directly targeting tumor cells and delivering adequate amounts of antigen due to the hostile tumor microenvironment. Emerging evidence suggests that certain bacteria naturally home in on tumors and modulate antitumor immunity, making bacterial vectors a promising vehicle for precision cancer vaccines. Live bacterial vehicles offer several advantages, including tumor colonization, precise drug delivery, and immune stimulation, making them a compelling option for cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we explore the mechanisms of action behind living bacteria-based vaccines, recent progress in popular bacterial chassis, and strategies for specific payload delivery and biocontainment to ensure safety. These approaches will lay the foundation for developing an affordable, widely applicable cancer vaccine delivery system. This review also discusses the challenges and future opportunities in harnessing bacterial-based vaccines for enhanced therapeutic outcomes in cancer treatment.

This study investigates the molecular mechanisms behind HLA-A*02 subtypes' differential responses to Tecelra, a TCR-engineered T-cell therapy targeting MAGE-A4. Using computational tools, the study identifies specific HLA-A*02 alleles, such as HLA-A*02:07, HLA-A*02:05, and others, with low affinity for the GV10 peptide or a risk of inducing alloreactivity. These findings provide insights into patient selection for Tecelra therapy, suggesting exclusion criteria for certain HLA-A*02 subtypes to optimize treatment efficacy and minimize adverse reactions.