Natural and synthetic saponin adjuvant QS-21 for vaccines against cancer. (April 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ragupathi, Govind; Gardner, Jeffrey R; Livingston, Philip O; Gin, David Y
• Is Part Of: Expert review of vaccines. Volume 10:Number 4(2011)
• Page Start: 463
• Page End: 470
• Publication Date: 2011-04
• Subjects: adjuvants -- saponins -- synthetic adjuvants -- vaccines; Vaccines -- Periodicals; Vaccination -- Periodicals; 615.37205
• DOI: 10.1586/erv.11.18
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-0584

Abstract

One of the most widely used and potent immunological adjuvants is a mixture of soluble triterpene glycosides purified from the soap bark tree ( Quillaja saponaria ). Despite challenges in production, quality control, stability and toxicity, the QS-21 fraction from this extract has exhibited exceptional adjuvant properties for a range of antigens. It possesses an ability to augment clinically significant antibody and T-cell responses to vaccine antigens against a variety of infectious diseases, degenerative disorders and cancers. The recent synthesis of active molecules of QS-21 has provided a robust method to produce this leading vaccine adjuvant in high purity as well as to produce novel synthetic QS-21 congeners designed to induce increased immune responsiveness and decreased toxicity.