Wayne State University inventors have developed several peptide Chlamydia vaccine candidates that are genus specific, conformational, and easy to manufacture.
Background & Unmet Need:
Despite increased surveillance and treatment, Chlamydial genital tract infections continue to rise. It is estimated that over 20 million new cases of infection occur annually in developed countries, with over 75 million new cases occurring annually in developing countries. Chlamydial genital infection occurs in 5-15% of pregnant women, and 50% of their babies will develop inclusion conjunctivitis or respiratory problems. Although antibiotics can clear many chlamydial infections, they do not prevent re-infection. There is currently no protective chlamydia vaccine.
Technology Description:
Chlamydia glycolipid exoantigen (GLXA) is a non-self-antigen that is “genus-specific” (also termed “genus-wide”), meaning that it is present in organisms of the chlamydia genus. Peptides were created as vaccine candidates. These peptides are derived using the chlamydia bacteria itself and can be conjugated to immunogenic carriers, are easily produced in mass, and can be encapsulated in a variety of delivery vehicles for more efficient delivery and immunization. These peptides have the ability to recognize persistently infected cells and have the potential to clear persistent infection, which is very important for prevention of chronic chlamydial infections. These benefits overcome several of the prior impediments to the development of a Chlamydia vaccine: antigenically diverse surface proteins; enhanced survival within host cells; biphasic development cycle; reduced inflammatory responses; and the ability to enter a persistent state.
Commercial Applications:
- Development of a Chlamydia vaccine that can prevent re-infection
Stage of Development:
Preclinical
Competitive Advantages:
- Encapsulated vaccine antigen can be delivered orally without loss of function due to the protection of gastric acids
- Intranasally or trans-tracheally delivered antigens remain in the nasopharynx or lungs long enough to enter local antigen-presenting cells such as lung macrophages or dendritic cells
Intellectual Property Status:
PCT application filed
Related Publications or Citations of Work:
None