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Silica Bioreplicated Cellular Platforms as Adjuvants and Vaccines

Technology Benefits

Allows for development of versatiletumor vaccinesRetains innate structural featuresand take on additional properties, such as enhanced stability duringdehydrationEase of distribution and transport –vaccines remain effective through extreme temperatures and pressuresLong-term vaccine/adjuvant storagewithout loss of immunogenic propertiesTransformation of cancer cells intoimmunogenic pathogen mimicsDecreased cost in vaccine production

Detailed Technology Description

A novel process to transform cells into stable,potent vaccines and adjuvants.

*Abstract

This technique involves uniquely engineeringbacteria used in vaccines to modulate antigen-specific immune responses. Thisprocess also eliminates the need for refrigeration and increases tolerance ofextreme environmental conditions; preserving the vaccine or adjuvant structurefor transport though extreme temperature and pressure changes. With thisinvention, engineered, stable bacteria could harness and guide immune responseswhile addressing the global need for versatile effective vaccines. In addition,our unique cell processing enables us to transform cancer cells into stable, pathogenmimics, creating potent personalized cancer vaccines.

*Background

Inaddition to the need for novel, stable formulations for preventative vaccines,there is a global need for therapeutic cancer vaccines that are able to overcomecancer-related suppression of cell-mediated immune responses and guide specificimmune responses against cells expressing tumor-associated or neoantigens. Whilethe majority of clinically available vaccines contain harmless versions ofmicrobes that can stimulate immune responses to antigens, methods to directimmune responses to non-microbal antigens and improve long-term stability areneeded. Although recent successes in cancer immune therapy highlight advances informulating effective preventive vaccines for cervical cancer and enhanced cancer-specificimmunity, novel formulations for effective therapeutic vaccines are needed.  Manyvaccines face problems concerning structural integrity during transport. Adjuvantsand vaccines are delicate in that they cannot be subjected to extremeenvironmental conditions while staying biologically active. This prevents theability of healthcare providers to administer vaccines in remote parts of theworld. Vaccine producers are also confronted with this challenge and as aresult, overly complex and expensive vaccines and supply-chains transpire.

*Inquiry

STC has filed intellectual property on this exciting new technology and is currently exploring commercialization options. If you are interested in information about this or other technologies, please contact Arlene Mirabal at amirabal@stc.unm.edu or 505-272-7886.

Country/Region

USA