Design and in vivo evaluation of a multi-epitope vaccine that suppresses tumour growth in a murine colorectal cancer model

Harnessing the immune system through cancer vaccines offers a promising strategy to overcome tumour heterogeneity, which remains one of the most significant challenges in achieving effective treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we designed and validated a novel multi-epitope vaccine against CRC using integrated computational and experimental approaches. The final construct was developed through in silico prediction and optimisation, followed by recombinant expression and in vivo testing in a CRC mouse model. Mice receiving the multi-dose vaccine exhibited a mean tumour volume approximately 80% lower than that of the untreated cancer group. Additionally, IL-4 levels were significantly elevated (p