Uses
FortiVac effects on CD8+ T cells
In published work, a FortiVac vaccine was used to immunize mice against the Gag protein of HIV-1 (Panel A). The result was an enormous level of Gag-specific CD8+ T cells that produced IFN-gamma (Panel B) and IL-2 (Panel C. When such vaccinated mice were challenged with live vaccinia virus expressing Gag, the mice were completely protected from viral infection, i.e., “sterilizing immunity.”
Clinical Applications
CD8+ T cells will play a critical role in cancer vaccines, such as those for prostate cancer and HPV-related cancers. In addition, it has been difficult to create effective vaccines for certain infections such as chronic hepatitis B virus, ebola, malaria, dengue, and others. Multimeric’s initial studies in these areas have been funded by grants from the NIH and CDC. To complete the IND-enabling data package, tox studies and efficacy studies in animal models are the next steps.