IC31 and IC30, novel types of vaccine adjuvant based on peptide delivery systems

Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists have a proven potential to become the adjuvants of the next generation when admixed and formulated with all kinds of vaccine compositions. The quality and magnitude of a vaccine-induced immune response is often strongly facilitated by TLR agonists, with the result that protection is increased and expanded toward type 1-driven immunity. DNA oligodeoxynucleotides bind to TLR9 and have been tested in a variety of vaccine settings with encouraging results. Combining oligodeoxynucleotides with poly-L-arginine (IC30) or certain artificial antimicrobial peptides dramatically improves and synergizes with the adjuvant action of TLR9 agonists, a notion that has prompted the development of IC31, an adjuvant with a promising profile in both preclinical and clinical trials.