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Rotavirus Vaccine Adjuvant

技術優勢

1. Oral administration2. Shortened duration of rotavirus antigen shedding upon administration3. Induces B cell recruitment to the intestine (recruitment does not require virus infection or other ectopic antigenic stimulus.) Indicates broad spectrum adjuvant.4. GRA has been used in other pharmaceutical formulations in the US

技術應用

Rotavirus and other enteric diseases

詳細技術說明

Researchers at Montana State University have identified the chemically active constituent of licorice (Fabaceae family) which modulates the immune response to infectious diseases. This particular isolate, 18-Beta Glycyrrhetinic Acid (GRA), accelerates clearance of infection with the enteric rotavirus, a virus that is of significant public health interest. Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe acute diarrhea among young children worldwide and 500,000 die from infection annually. The effectiveness of current vaccines varies from country to country. None are fully effective.Pathway of Action: GRA has been studied in the past but its mode of action and effect in a rotavirus model has not been researched until now. MSU researchers now know this compound enhances immune cell recruitment to the intestine in the absence of infection, suggesting its potential use as a vaccine adjuvant. Data further suggest GRA delivered orally augments lymphocyte recruitment to the intestinal mucosa and induces maturation of B cell rich ILF independently of ectopic antigenic stimulus as well as following an enteric virus infection. GRA appears to have activity different from what has been described before for adjuvants currently approved for use in humans. The research team postulates that the compound affects gene expression in dendritic cells in the gut.Crux of the Discovery: GRA is believed to operate primarily through strong B cell activation or isolated lymphoid tissue formation in the gut when delivered orally. Data also indicate amplification of T cell response (phenotype currently unconfirmed).

*Abstract

Immune system activating adjuvants are regaining interest in pharmaceutical research as more is learned about the innate immune system. Several adjuvants are in clinical or preclinical development focused on enhancing T or B cell responses. Here we describe one potential adjuvant.

*Principal Investigation

Name: Michele Hardy, Professor, Ph.D.

Department: Immunology and Infectious Disease

國家/地區

美國