Tumorvirus-specific Vaccination Strategies

We now entered into a clinical development phase and are starting a phase I clinical trial (EudraCT No.: 2021-002584-22). This trial should demonstrate safety and immunogenicity. Our vaccine is based on a single molecule, is highly thermostable and more importantly, induces protective responses against all oncogenic HPV as well as a number of so called ‘low risk’ HPV. Therefore, the vaccine has the potential to provide protection against HPV also in regions where the current HPV vaccines cannot be distributed, which applies to about two thirds of all countries.

Jointly with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg we have developed a standardized validated assay system which allows us the high-throughput detection of neutralizing antibodies against HPV16, HPV18, and other oncogenic HPV types (automated pseudovirion-based HPV-neutralization assay). This assay can be used for a multitude of epidemiological studies. In particular, the duration of the immunization-protection after the introduction of a new vaccine could be monitored with our assay in large study groups.

Papillomviruses infect humans and many vertebrates. These infections can be completely asymptomatic but they could also result in skin warts or genital warts. Under certain circumstances infections with papillomaviruses can lead to the development of cancer. One major aim of vaccine development is to provide protection against infections by papillomaviruses to prevent development of cancer.
 

So called prophylactic vaccines induce antibodies which are proteins of the immune system. These antibodies recognize and bind to virus particles that enter the body. This hinders entry of the viruses into the cells and thus the infection.