NCIt definition : An mRNA-based, personalized cancer vaccine consisting of a self-amplifying mRNA (SAM),
formulated in a lipid nanoparticle (LNP), targeting twenty tumor-specific neoantigens
(TSNAs) that have been identified through genetic sequencing of a patient's tumor
cells, with potential immunostimulatory and antineoplastic activities. Upon intramuscular
administration of the mRNA-based tumor-specific neoantigen boosting vaccine GRT-R902,
the mRNA is taken up and translated by antigen presenting cells (APCs). Then, the
expressed epitopes are presented via major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules
on the surface of APCs. This leads to an induction of both cytotoxic T-lymphocyte
and memory T-cell dependent immune responses that specifically target and destroy
the patient's cancer cells that express these neoantigens. mRNA-based TSNA boosting
vaccine is administered after a single dose of the adenoviral tumor-specific neoantigen
priming vaccine GRT-C901. The combined immunotherapy product, consisting of priming
and boosting vaccines, is referred to as GRANITE-001.;