Vaccine Linkers to Attach Proteins to Aluminum Hydroxide Adjuvants

Vaccines typically work by exposing the body to an antigen, which is either a weakened form of a microorganism or a toxin that it creates. This exposure stimulates an immune system response that lets the body recognize the pathogen so that it can more easily recognize and destroy it in the future. Sometimes, the proteins used in the vaccine are bound to an adjuvant (commonly aluminum hydroxide), which acts as an irritant to enhance the immune response to the antigen while reducing the amount of foreign material that must be injected. To attach the aluminum hydroxide to the protein, a phosphate group is first attached to the protein. Phosphate groups have a high electrostatic affinity for aluminum hydroxide, so they readily bond to each other. However, current techniques for attaching the phosphate group to a protein have the unintended effect of changing the structure of the protein.

Purdue University researchers have developed a simple chemical reagent that attaches a phosphate group to specific sites on the protein, but does not change the overall structure. This method can work with a wide variety of antigens and could lead to vaccines that are more effective for many pathogens.

Advantages:

-Does not modify protein structure

-Works with many varieties of antigens

-Uses adjuvant with excellent safety record

Potential Applications:

-Medical/Healthcare

-Pharmaceutical industry

-Vaccines

TRL: 3

Intellectual Property:

Keywords: Vaccine, antigen, adjuvant, aluminum hydroxide, phosphate group, protein structure, chemical reagent, vaccine efficacy, pharmaceutical, medical