🔹 Researchers have produced the vaccine adjuvant QS-21 in tobacco plants, which could address supply shortages.
🔹 QS-21 is currently extracted from wild soapbark trees, but this method could make it more accessible.
🔹 The researchers identified the pathway for the acyl chain of QS-21 and opened up the possibility of bioengineering saponin-based adjuvants.
🔹 The resulting molecule has been shown to be the same as the QS-21 molecule from soapbark.
🔹 QS-21 is a powerful adjuvant that stimulates immune responses when used in vaccines.
🔹 QS-21 is currently extracted from wild soapbark trees, but this method could make it more accessible.
🔹 The researchers identified the pathway for the acyl chain of QS-21 and opened up the possibility of bioengineering saponin-based adjuvants.
🔹 The resulting molecule has been shown to be the same as the QS-21 molecule from soapbark.
🔹 QS-21 is a powerful adjuvant that stimulates immune responses when used in vaccines.
📢 Revolutionary Breakthrough: Tobacco Plants Produce Game-Changing Vaccine Boost
Introduction:
Researchers have successfully produced the vaccine adjuvant QS-21 in a tobacco relative called Nicotiana benthamiana, which is thought to be a first in heterologous expression systems. QS-21 is a key component in many vaccines and is currently sourced from wild Chilean soapbark trees. This development opens up the possibility of tuning the adjuvant and making it more accessible.
Main points:
- The vaccine adjuvant QS-21 is currently extracted from the bark of Chilean soapbark trees, but this method is not sustainable and supplies are limited.
- The researchers have identified the pathway for the acyl chain of QS-21 and successfully produced it in Nicotiana benthamiana, a relative of tobacco.
- The production of QS-21 in this tobacco relative allows for the bioengineering of saponin-based adjuvants with specific features.
- The resulting molecule produced in Nicotiana benthamiana is the same as the molecule from Quillaja, the natural source of QS-21.
- With further optimization, the biopharma industry will be able to produce QS-21 sustainably and engineer adjuvants with enhanced immunostimulation or low toxicity.
Conclusion:
This groundbreaking development in the production of the vaccine adjuvant QS-21 in tobacco opens up new possibilities for sustainable and customizable adjuvants. With further research and optimization, the biopharma industry can meet the growing demand for QS-21 and enhance the efficacy and safety of vaccines.
