We’re pleased to share insights from our recent interview with our collaborator, Dr. Moriya Tsuji. This partnership is creating new possibilities in vaccine development by combining advanced T cell research with our innovative NanoVac delivery platform.
Read the full interview here.
Understanding Traditional Vaccine Limitations
While traditional vaccine approaches have had success generating protective immunity for some diseases, there remain challenges: antibodies target surface features of pathogens that frequently mutate and change, making them moving targets that can eventually evade immune recognition.
The Potential of T cells
T cell based vaccines represent a fundamental shift in vaccine development. T cells recognize different types of epitopes (recognition sites) hidden inside the pathogen rather than on its surface. These internal epitopes are “highly conserved,” meaning they remain relatively stable over time, unlike surface features that frequently mutate.
While traditional vaccines target the constantly changing exterior of a pathogen, T cell vaccines focus on the stable internal structures that are processed through specialized cellular machinery (MHC class I and II molecules). As Dr. Tsuji describes, “it’s like having a reliable target that stays put instead of one that is constantly shifting.”
Expanding the Possibilities with NanoVac
This is where our NanoVac platform comes in. Our carbon nanotube delivery system is specifically designed to enhance T cell-based approaches in several ways:
- Extended antigen presentation: Unlike traditional delivery methods, NanoVac maintains antigen expression for longer periods, giving T cells more time to develop robust responses.
- Versatile payload delivery: Our platform can carry both antigens and specialized adjuvants that enhance T cell responses.
- Enhanced cellular delivery: The system is designed to effectively reach the cellular machinery that processes antigens for T cell recognition.
An electron microscope is required to see the NanoVac delivery vehicle, with each rod 100-200 nm long. In the schematic, the loading of nucleic acids and proteins on the surface of the vehicle is illustrated.
Expanding Possibilities in Cancer Treatment
While we continue this work in infectious diseases, particularly HIV-1, COVID-19, and malaria, there is also exciting potential in cancer treatment. We’re exploring how our NanoVac platform could contribute to the development of cancer vaccines – an approach that’s fundamentally different from traditional cancer treatments.
Cancer cells present specific molecular markers, known as neoantigens, on their surface that distinguish them from healthy cells. These neoantigens are unique identifiers that can be recognized by the immune system. The key challenge in cancer immunotherapy is enhancing the immune system’s ability to detect and maintain long-term recognition of these neoantigens, thereby improving its capacity to identify and destroy cancer cells.
Dr. Tsuji’s team has developed specialized research tools – “humanized mice” – that help us understand how human immune systems might respond to potential cancer vaccines. These mice are specially designed to have immune systems that mirror those of humans, providing a crucial testing ground for new approaches.
What makes this approach promising is how our NanoVac platform could potentially deliver cancer-specific signals to the immune system, helping immune cells recognize and respond to cancer cells more effectively. The combination of our delivery technology with advanced immunology research offers new possibilities for cancer treatment in the future.
Looking Ahead: From Lab to Clinic
As we move forward, our focus is on advancing these innovations toward clinical applications, from respiratory vaccines to cancer therapeutics. The platform’s key advantages include:
- Extended antigen expression for stronger and durable immune responses
- Compatibility with both intramuscular and intranasal administration
- Enhanced cellular uptake and payload presentation
- Demonstrated safety profile with rapid clearance
The combination of our delivery technology with advanced immunological expertise positions us to address some of the most challenging problems in vaccine development. As we progress toward clinical trials, we remain committed to developing safer, more effective vaccines that can make a real difference in global health.
Luna Labs is interested in partnerships and collaborative research and development. Reach out and let us know about your interests.
To learn more about our NanoVac platform and collaborations, contact our Director of Biotech, Chris Tison, at chris.tison@lunalabs.us.
Website:
lunalabs.us/product/nanovac
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