Despite its recent popularity, uncoated VLPs, such as those of adenovirus and papillomavirus, are known to have several drawbacks. In addition to lacking lipoprotein coating that facilitates receptor interactions, they are too big (70-100 nm) for efficient endocytosis. Our HCV-VLP ISVAC succefully fills the void by providing coated VLP with the size of 30-50 nm that is most optimal for endocytosis.
As described in our patent and
research paper, ISVAC displays two distinct immunostimulatory activities.
First, ISVAC strongly induces serum interferon-alpha upon direct treatment of blood. Second, ISVAC strongly stimulates proliferation of
B-cell in mice spleen in response to immunization. Both activities are surprising for polyprotein entity as they are known to be induced mostly by
nucleic acids interacting with endosomal Toll-receptors TLR3,7-9.
Endocytosis is crucial for immunoactivities. HCV-VLP is ideal for endocytosis.
ISVAC has several potential applications. The most notable is its strong ability to induce endogenous interferon that is
is very promicing in treatment of hepatitis C.
ISVAC ability to stimulate B-cells will be used for creation of novel vaccine adjuvants as well as for treating
allergies and asthma.
Finally, ISVAC will be used as RNA delivery tool, capable of including and delivering wide range of RNAs, from siRNA to
suicidal contstruct AGP, previously developed by Dr. Sivov.
Разработка вакцины против ВГС является одной из наиболее болезненных нерешённых проблем современного здравоохранения. Высказываются разноплановые сомнения в возможности создания такой вакцины. Поэтому разработка инновационных лекарственных средств против ВГС продолжает оставаться главным приоритетом. Препарат ИСВАК теоретически имеет шансы стать вакциной против ВГС, однако, клинические испытания такой вакцины настолько дороги, что мы предпочитаем сосредоточить наши ограниченные ресурсы на создании лекарственного средства, а не вакцины.