Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS as an Immune Modulator

Introduction Vaccines often require the use of adjuvants, immune modulating substances, to generate adequate immune responses for the prevention or treatment of disease. Current adjuvant systems often display toxic properties, can be unstable, and can have unacceptably low immunostimulatory effects. The discovery and development of new adjuvant systems is essential for the efficacy and safety of existing and future vaccines. University of Washington researchers have identified a new immune modulator useful for redirecting an immune response against an antigen of interest. Technology description The present invention provides an immunomodulator comprising highly purified P.gingivalis LPS. Mass spectral analysis of the lipid A portion of the LPS reveals a discrete molecular mass ion of 1435 or 1449. The invention also provides methods for stimulating a protective immune response against a tumor, pathogen or autoimmune antigen in a mammal by administering an antigen characteristic of and capable of eliciting an immune response to the tumor, pathogen or autoimmune antigen and an immunomodulator which comprises purified P.gingivalis LPS. Business Opportunity Over the past few years, there has been a surge of interest in vaccines. The worldwide vaccine market is expected to reach $15 billion in 2010, up from $10 billion in 2005. Furthermore, newer more effective adjuvants with fewer side effects should not only improve the efficacy of existing and future prophylactic vaccines but also serve as immune modulators in settings where the vaccine is given as therapy for an ongoing condition
(therapeutic vaccines). Intellectual Property Position US Patent 6,734,172: Surface Receptor Antigen Vaccines has issued. The University has applied for additional US and foreign patent protection. For more information on this technology contact:
Dennis Hanson, Ph.D. Technology Manager, Invention Licensing UW TechTransfer [email protected] 206-543-3970

Type of Offer: Licensing



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