Recombinant Polyvalent Complexes for Enhanced Immunogenicity in Vaccine Development
Summary
This technology offers a method of preparing very large protein complexes for use as multivalent vaccines against infections of multiple types.
Overview
Dr. Tan has developed a unique vaccine platform that harnesses the innate propensity of viral capsid proteins to form oligomeric complexes, thereby enhancing immunogenicity. Recombinant expression of fused proteins from norovirus, hepatitis E virus, rotavirus, or astrovirus are capable of forming high molecular weight complexes that elicit stronger immunologic responses than the individual proteins themselves. Additionally, studies have shown that insertion of foreign epitopes into particular domains of the fusion proteins allows for this technology to be used as a platform for vaccination against several pathogenic agents.
Applications
- Vaccine therapy against common gastrointestinal viruses
- General vaccine development
Value Proposition
- Multivalent vaccine
- Extremely stable carrier platform
- Recombinant vaccines are less expensive and faster to produce
- Vaccine does not elicit negative immune responses seen in attenuated/inactive vaccine systems
Market Overview
The four named viral pathogens cause billions of cases of disease annually. Direct US
healthcare costs for norovirus alone are estimated at $493 million.
Investigator
Ming Tan, PhD, Division of Infectious Diseases
