Bacterium-Like Particles
The Bacterium-Like Particles (BLPs) are self-adjuvanting vaccine delivery vehicles, derived from inactivated Lactococcus lactis bacteria. L. lactis is a safe bacterium commonly used in the food industry, such as for the production of cheese and probiotic drinks. BLPs are produced by a simple hot acid treatment. What remains after this treatment is a robust cell shaped matrix that predominantly consists of a peptidoglycan surface (A). This surface is the component that induces the long-lasting immunity needed for protection against disease causing pathogens. The non-living nature of BLP particles allows for accurate dosing without the risk of dissemination.
The BLPs also provide a safe and versatile backbone that can be efficiently loaded with particular antigens of choice. Complete loading of BLPs with antigens is achieved by using our proprietary non-covalent coupling technology, Protan. The Protan technology allows for simple mixing of the antigen fusion with the BLPs, thereby resulting in robust and immediate binding of the antigen to the surface of the particles (B). The Mimopath® technology has been used with a wide range of protein antigens of bacterial, parasitic and viral origin. The resulting antigen-covered BLPs constitute the final Mimopath® vaccine that is delivered to humans via the mucosal layers of the nose (spray) or mouth (capsule), without the need for an injection (C).
Steen A, Buist G, Leenhouts KJ, El Khattabi M, Grijpstra F, Zomer AL, Venema G, Kuipers OP, Kok J. Cell wall attachment of a widely distributed peptidoglycan binding domain is hindered by cell wall constituents. J. Biol. Chem. 2003; 278:23874-23881.
Roosmalen ML van, Kanninga R, El Khattabi M, Neef J, Audouy S, Bosma T, Kuipers A, Post E, Steen A, Kok J, Buist G, Kuipers OP, Robillard G, Leenhouts K. Mucosal vaccine delivery of antigens tightly bound to an adjuvant particle made from food-grade bacteria. Methods 2006; 38:144-149.
Bosma T, Kanninga R, Neef J, Audouy SAL, Roosmalen ML van, Steen A, Buist G, Kok J, Kuipers OP, Robillard G, Leenhouts K. A novel surface display system for proteins on non-genetically modified Gram-positive bacteria. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 2006; 72:880-889.