Infectious disease

Mouse studies suggest a fusion protein-based vaccine plus a STING-activating cyclic dinucleotide (CDN) adjuvant could help prevent tuberculosis (TB). The fusion protein consists of five Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens: fbpB, esxA, hrp1, rpfD and Rv1733c. In a mouse challenge model of TB, subcutaneous immunization with the fusion protein plus STING-activating cyclic diguanylate (CDG) decreased colony-forming units (CFUs) compared with vehicle, with potency comparable to immunization with bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). In a second mouse challenge model of TB, intranasal immunization with the fusion protein plus either the CDG adjuvant or the human STING agonist cGAMP decreased CFUs compared with BCG. In a third mouse challenge model of TB, BCG plus two intranasal booster immunizations of the vaccine and adjuvant decreased CFUs. Next steps in collaboration with Aduro Biotech Inc. could include optimizing an immunization regimen based on the fusion protein, STING agonists and BCG.

Aduro has ADU-S100, a STING-activating CDN, in Phase I testing for lymphomas and solid tumors...