Development of a New Vaccine Adjuvant System Based on the Combination of the Synthetic TLR4 Agonist FP20 and a Synthetic QS-21 Variant

J Med Chem. 2024 Dec 26;67(24):22254-22262. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c02392. Epub 2024 Dec 8.

Abstract

In this study, we formulated an alternative to AS01b by combining FP20, a synthetic TLR4 agonist, and QS21v, a minimal saponin adjuvant, aiming to improve the vaccine efficacy and stability. The phase transition temperature of FP20 was determined by using differential scanning calorimetry to be 43.9 °C, providing a foundation for the formulation process. The coformulation was prepared using a dry film method for even adjuvant distribution. Characterization by dynamic light scattering and nanoparticle tracking analysis revealed a uniform particle size distribution of ∼120 nm. Cryogenic electron microscopy (CryoEM) revealed nanosized interactions between FP20 and QS21v, forming stable structures that likely enhanced the antigen presentation and immune activation. These physicochemical properties contributed to a robust in vivo synergy, where the coformulation elicited significantly higher antigen-specific antibody titers compared to individual adjuvants. These findings suggest that the FP20+QS21v coformulation provides a potent, stable, and safer alternative to traditional adjuvants, enhancing both vaccine efficacy and immunogenicity.

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / chemistry
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / pharmacology
  • Adjuvants, Vaccine / chemistry
  • Adjuvants, Vaccine / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Female
  • Mice
  • Particle Size
  • Saponins* / chemical synthesis
  • Saponins* / chemistry
  • Saponins* / immunology
  • Saponins* / pharmacology
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4* / agonists
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4* / metabolism

Substances

  • Toll-Like Receptor 4
  • Saponins
  • saponin QA-21V1
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Adjuvants, Vaccine