BCG-STING
Candidate Overview
BCG-STING is a recombinant BCG strain that overexpresses the small molecule STING agonist cyclic di-AMP. For prevention of Mtb proliferation BCG-STING is more potent than standard BCG in mouse, guinea pig, and NHP models, and it is also safer than BCG-WT in mouse models. BCG-STING can be produced by fermentation, overcoming current BCG production limitations.
Sponsor / Lead Developer: Johns Hopkins
Development partner(s): OncoSTING LLC
Primary Indication: Prevention of TB disease
Target Population(s): To be determined
Target Route of Administration: Intradermal
Immune tissue localization: Lymph node
Immunological responses: T-cell
Preclinical Animal Models: Guinea pig, Mouse, Nonhuman primate, and Rabbit
Intended to elicit trained immunity: Yes
Additional Immunologic Response Information
HYPOTHESIZED | DEMONSTRATED |
|
| Immune Response | T-cell | |
| T-cell phenotype | Natural Killer (NK) | CD4 CD8 |
| T-cell functional profile | IFN-γ TNF-α Polycytotoxicity Mycobacterial growth inhibition | |
| Preferential immune tissue localization | Lymph node | |
| Trained immunity | Yes | |
Related Publications
- Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Overexpressing an Endogenous Stimulator of Interferon Genes Agonist Provides Enhanced Protection Against Pulmonary Tuberculosis. (J. Infect. Dis., 2020)
- Increased vaccine efficacy against tuberculosis with a recombinant BCG overexpressing the STING agonist cyclic di-AMP. (bioRxiv [Preprint], 2025)