BCG::ESAT6-PE25SS
Candidate Overview
BCG::ESAT6-PE25SS is a recombinant BCG strain generated on the Danish background. The strain was constructed by fusing the ESAT-6-encoding gene esxA to the general secretion signal for the mycobacterial type VII secretion pathway protein PE25. BCG::ESAT6-PE25SS secretes full-length ESAT-6 via the ESX-5 secretion system, which in contrast to ESX-1 is also present in BCG.
Sponsor / Lead Developer: James Cook University
Primary Indication: Prevention of TB disease
Other Indication(s): Immunotherapy/Shortening TB treatment and Prevention of TB recurrence
Target Population(s): Adolescents, Adults, Children, and Infants
Immune tissue localization: Lung and Lymph node
Immunological responses: B-cell/Antibody, Innate, and T-cell
Preclinical Animal Models: Mouse and Rabbit
Intended to elicit trained immunity: Yes
Additional Immunologic Response Information
HYPOTHESIZED | DEMONSTRATED |
|
| Immune Response | B-cell Innate | T-cell |
| T-cell phenotype | CD4 CD8 |
|
| T-cell functional profile | IFN-γ TNF-α IL-17 |
|
| Preferential immune tissue localization | Lymph node | Lung BALF Serum |
| Trained immunity | Yes | No |
Additional Information
| In vivo testing revealed that ESX-5-targeted ESAT-6 export, induces cytosolic contact, generates ESAT-6-specific T cells and enhances the protective efficacy against TB disease, but is associated with low virulence and reduced persistence in immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice. Additionally, compared to BCG::ESX1Mtb and parental BCG, mucosal administration of BCG::ESAT6-PE25SS is associated with more rapid clearance from the lung and lower histopathology.
The vaccine candidate is currently undergoing testing in rabbit models of cavitary TB and therapeutic use in conjunction with antimicrobial therapy and host-directed therapy. It will also be tested in guinea pigs in 2024. Additional unpublished results include protective efficacy in a diet-induced murine model of type 2 diabetes and a murine model designed to study reactivation of latent lymphatic TB. The vaccine candidate is one of 6 live attenuated TB vaccine candidates currently evaluated head-to-head in 3 mouse models (C57BL/6, C3HeB/FeJ, SCID) at 4 independent sites around the world. Unblinding of results is expected in 2024. An integrated Product Development Plan, Target Product Profiles and Stage Gating have been prepared for this candidate by TBVI. |