mRNA vaccine targeting the regulatory peptide adrenomedullin reduces tumor blood vessels and melanoma growth
An mRNA-LNP vaccine encoding KLH-adrenomedullin fusion antigen delayed melanoma initiation, reduced tumor volume (p=0.0004), decreased tumor vessel area (p=0.028), and increased anti-AM IgG and CD8+ T cells without immunosuppressive TME changes.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Tumor initiation delayed (p=0.005). Volume reduced (p=0.0004). Vessel area decreased (p=0.028). ↑Anti-AM IgG (p=0.033). ↑CD8+ T cells (p=0.049). No TME immunosuppression. No toxicity/weight loss. Stable at 4°C >1 month.
Key Numbers
How They Did This
C57BL/6J mice. mRNA-LNP vaccine (KLH-AM fusion). 4-dose immunization → B16-F10 melanoma injection → booster. Tumor volume, angiogenesis, immune infiltration, Ki67 proliferation analysis.
Why This Research Matters
Targeting regulatory peptides with vaccines is a novel immunotherapy approach. Adrenomedullin vaccination achieved anti-tumor effects without the immunosuppressive side effects that plague many cancer immunotherapies.
The Bigger Picture
Peptide-targeted mRNA vaccines represent a convergence of two cutting-edge technologies: mRNA vaccine platforms (proven by COVID) and peptide hormone targeting for cancer. This could extend to other tumor-promoting peptides.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Mouse melanoma model. Subcutaneous tumors (not metastatic in this study, though prior study tested metastatic). Single tumor type. Prophylactic rather than therapeutic setting.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would the vaccine work against established metastatic melanoma?
- ?Could AM-targeted vaccines treat other AM-expressing cancers?
- ?Is the 4°C stability sufficient for clinical distribution?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Tumor volume reduced p=0.0004 mRNA vaccine targeting the pro-tumoral peptide adrenomedullin achieved dramatic tumor reduction without immunosuppression—combining mRNA technology with peptide targeting
- Evidence Grade:
- Preclinical with robust statistical outcomes and important negative controls (TME, toxicity). Strong proof of concept.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2025.
- Original Title:
- A Stable RNA Vaccine Against the Regulatory Peptide Adrenomedullin Reduces Angiogenesis and Tumor Burden in a Subcutaneous Melanoma Model Without Inducing an Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment.
- Published In:
- International journal of molecular sciences, 26(21) (2025)
- Database ID:
- RPEP-13743
Evidence Hierarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an mRNA vaccine fight cancer?
This study shows yes—an mRNA vaccine targeting the peptide adrenomedullin (which helps tumors grow blood vessels) significantly reduced melanoma tumor volume and delayed tumor formation. Unlike many cancer treatments, it did not suppress the immune system, and the vaccine was remarkably stable at refrigerator temperature.
What is adrenomedullin and why target it?
Adrenomedullin (AM) is a peptide that melanoma tumors produce to grow new blood vessels, spread, and proliferate. By vaccinating against AM, the immune system creates antibodies that block this peptide, starving tumors of blood supply and slowing their growth—an anti-angiogenic approach using the body's own immune response.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/RPEP-13743APA
Tadic, Srdan; García-Sanmartín, Josune; Narro-Íñiguez, Judit; Martínez, Alfredo. (2025). A Stable RNA Vaccine Against the Regulatory Peptide Adrenomedullin Reduces Angiogenesis and Tumor Burden in a Subcutaneous Melanoma Model Without Inducing an Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment.. International journal of molecular sciences, 26(21). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262110745
MLA
Tadic, Srdan, et al. "A Stable RNA Vaccine Against the Regulatory Peptide Adrenomedullin Reduces Angiogenesis and Tumor Burden in a Subcutaneous Melanoma Model Without Inducing an Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment.." International journal of molecular sciences, 2025. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262110745
RethinkPeptides
RethinkPeptides Research Database. "A Stable RNA Vaccine Against the Regulatory Peptide Adrenome..." RPEP-13743. Retrieved from https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/tadic-2025-a-stable-rna-vaccine
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkPeptides research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.