A bacterial vaccine with the potential to target glioblastoma, cancer and others infections diseases

Background

Vaccines that target antigen specific cellular immune response could cure cancer and many infectious diseases. Despite many advances in this field, technologies for vectorisation of proteic antigens remains to be optimised for the development of vaccines.

Introduction

Certain gram negative bacteria possess a complex protein secretion apparatus known as the type three secretion system (TTSS) which delivers effector protein into the cytoplasm of dendritic cells in order to modulate host cellular functions.

Using the BAC-VAC technology, we have identified and optimized a potential drug targeted towards glioblastoma, based on an antigen tested on mice. In the test, tumoral cells were injected into two mice populations, one of which had been injected with the potential drug. The survival rate after 50 days shows the real therapeutic potential of this antigen.

Method of injecting antigens through the SSTT of P. aeruginosa and cellular immune response

This bacterial vaccine enables the stimulation of cellular immunity against a specific antigen. The antigen is injected in the cytoplasm of the dendritic cell via the type III secretion system of P. aeruginosa. The injected antigens are driven to the endogenous pathway and the peptides produced are delivered to the CMH1. They are then specifically recognized by T CD8 lymphocytes+ thus enabling the activation of a cellular response against this antigen.  The vaccine must be administered by subcutaneous (or intradermic) injection to ensure the proper targeting of dentritic cells.

Key benefits

As a result of its highly immunogenic character, P aeruginosa will stimulate an immune response without need for adjuvants. The vaccinal strain has been chosen for its reduced virulence.

This bacterial vaccine can combine several epitopes of one or more genes of interest and induce a cellular immune response.

The vector can be injected subcutaneously ensuring it is recognized directly by the dendritic cells. It is then destroyed thereby avoiding its dissemination in the host and the environment in general.

The production of P aeruginosa is both easy to produce and cost-effective as the quantities required for it to function effectively are minimal

Potential applications

IP Status

Protected by Patent n°W02005049644

Polack B., Toussaint B., Quénée L. (2005) Tool for the transfer and production of proteins using Pseudomonas type III se-cretion system.

We are currently looking for industrial partners interested in further developing these exciting new technologies.

Contacts
Pascale Grenard-Ecuyer
Technology Transfer Manager
+33 (0)4 76 00 78 34
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