Protein Nanoparticles for Antigen Display in Vaccines

The technology relates to a protein-based nanoparticle platform that allows presentation of immunogenic molecules such as influenza virus antigens. This protein platform is made up of hepatitis B capsid/core proteins. The core proteins contain immunogenic loop c/e1, where other antigens can be inserted and the chimeric protein retains the ability to form capsid-like particles. The technology describes the insertion of one or more copies of influenza epitopes derived from the globular head or the stem region of hemagglutinin protein into or around the c/e1 loop of the core protein. The nanoparticles formed by the use of Hepatitis B virus core proteins can be disassembled and re-assembled, allowing mixing of antigens. Furthermore, the nanoparticles can be expressed in prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression systems. Thus, the platform provides a means for an optimal display of influenza epitopes for the induction of immune response including broadly neutralizing antibodies against the virus and therefore has the potential to be developed into an efficient universal vaccine against influenza virus infection.

This technology is available for licensing for commercial development in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 209 and 37 CFR Part 404, as well as for further development and evaluation under a research collaboration.

Potential Commercial Applications:		Competitive Advantages:
Vaccine against viruses; vaccines against influenza virus; universal influenza virus vaccine		The nanoparticles may be disassembled and re-assembled allowing mixing of antigens Expression in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems Avoids production and usage of live viruses for vaccine generation Effective immune response due to the use of authentic viral antigens Stability of particle and immunogenicity after high temperature exposure Incorporation of epitopes from group 1 and group 2 influenza viruses Broadly neutralizing antibodies against influenza virus

Inventors:

Audray Harris (NIAID)  ➽ more inventions...

Dustin McCraw (NIAID)  ➽ more inventions...


Intellectual Property:
US Application No. 62/540,474
PCT Application No. PCT/US2018/045032
US Application No. 16/635,240

Publications:
Gallagher JR, et al. PMID 28061386

Collaboration Opportunity:
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is also seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research. NIAID would like a prospective collaborator to have one or more of the following capabilities: (1) capacity to produce recombinant protein for animal vaccine studies; (2) perform and evaluate immunogenicity (antibody response) of influenza vaccine antigens in animal (e.g. mouse models); (3) perform and evaluate challenge and protection studies of vaccines and influenza viruses. (e.g. mouse models); and (4) if results are promising from animal studies, capacity to generate clinical grade materials and perform clinical studies. NIAID will consider executing a Confidentiality Agreement with a prospective collaborator to facilitate receipt of a Capability Statement if requested. For collaboration opportunities, please contact Jenish Patel, PhD, 240-669-2894; jenish.patel@nih.gov.


Licensing Contact:
Elizabeth Pitts,
Email: elizabeth.pitts@nih.gov
Phone: 240-669-5299

OTT Reference No: E-005-2017-0
Updated: Jul 6, 2020