Protein Subunit Vaccine Development

The development of vaccines and immunization practices have shifted with the introduction of modern protein-based vaccines. These vaccines have changed the treatment of various infectious diseases, for instance, HIV, dengue and hepatitis B. We focus on developing and commercializing protein subunit vaccines, and by partnering with us, we can improve the R&D of novel vaccines.

Protein Subunit Vaccines for Infectious Disease Prevention

Protein subunit vaccines are a category of vaccines that use a collection of proteins of a pathogen's components to provoke the body's defenses. This vaccine is made up solely of disease-causing agent's protective proteins, excluding the infectious organism. The use of these protein subunit vaccines has completely altered the way infectious diseases are prevented.

Fig. 1 Development of COVID-19 protein subunit vaccine. (Abufares H I, et al., 2022)

Mechanism of Protein Subunit Vaccines

The working principle of protein subunit vaccines is based on the immunogenic response that can be elicited by the introduction of protein fragments.

Characteristics of Protein Subunit Vaccines

• Well-established technology
• Suitable for people with compromised immune systems
• No live components, so no risk of the vaccine triggering disease

• Relatively stable
• Adjuvants and booster shots may be required
• Highly specific and reduced side effects

Our Services

Protein subunit vaccines can be applied to a wide variety of pathogen targets and generate specific immune responses against the selected target. So that we can ensure safety and efficacy of the protein subunit vaccines that we have developed, our company follows a comprehensive and precise processes.

How Do We Develop Protein Subunit Vaccines?

Identification of immunogenic subunits

Through probing deeper into the biology of the pathogen, reconnaissance virulence factors, and immune response to natural infections, our scientists manage to isolate and choose the subunit proteins that are the most immunogenic for the targeted pathogen.

Subunit expression and synthesis

To fabricate the requisite protein components, we integrate the genes that are responsible for synthesizing protein subunits into an expression system which could range from bacterial cells to yeast, insect, or mammalian cells.

Extraction and purification

The purified and extracted proteins are characterized with a high concentration and purity of the antigenic components. Several purification methods like chromatography and filtration are utilized to remove impurities of the proteins.

Adjuvant Incorporation

Adjuvants that boost the immune system can be mixed with the purified antigens in order to improve the effectiveness of the purified antigens. Aluminum salts and oil-in-water emulsions are commonly used adjuvants.

Formulation and Delivery

Following purification, the antigens and adjuvants are combined with a last developmental process to form a vaccine that is ready for inoculation. Depending on the vaccine, a delivery system is needed for example polymer-based delivery systems or live delivery systems so as to enhance immune response and stability.

Preclinical Testing

The formulated protein subunit vaccine is put through extremely serious preclinical investigation in animals for the assessment of its safety, ability to induce an immune response, and its effectivity.

For Which Infectious Diseases Can We Develop Protein Subunit Vaccines?

We focus on investigating and creating protein subunit vaccines. Please reach out if you are interested in our experience with such services, as we will be able to provide updated service quotations.

All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.