Synthetic Biology-derived triterpenes as efficacious immunomodulating adjuvants

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Immunology
• Vaccine Development

Background:

• Squalene, a key component in nanoemulsion vaccine adjuvants like MF59, is traditionally sourced from shark liver oil.
• Concerns regarding the sustainability and ethical implications of shark-derived squalene necessitate alternative production methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of a Synthetic Biology (yeast) platform for producing squalene and novel triterpene oils.
• To evaluate the efficacy and immunomodulatory activities of yeast-derived triterpenes as vaccine adjuvants.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a Synthetic Biology (yeast) production platform to generate squalene and novel triterpene oils.
• Assessed physiochemical properties and immunomodulating activities in a mouse model.
• Formulated adjuvants with quadrivalent influenza antigens and analyzed immune responses (IgG1, IgG2a, total IgG) and safety indicators (injection site morphology, serum cytokines).

Main Results:

• Yeast-derived squalene and novel triterpenes demonstrated comparable efficacy to marine and commercial controls as vaccine adjuvants.
• These synthetic adjuvants elicited similar IgG subclass and total IgG levels when formulated with influenza antigens.
• No reactogenic effects were observed based on injection site morphology and serum cytokine profiles, indicating safety.

Conclusions:

• Synthetic biology offers a viable and advantageous platform for producing squalene and novel triterpene adjuvants.
• Yeast-based production ensures controlled conditions, scalable output, and the potential for generating new adjuvant compounds.
• These findings support the use of yeast-derived triterpenes as safe and effective alternatives in vaccine adjuvant formulations.