PNx6
Candidate Overview
PNx6 is a modular, self-assembling and self-adjuvanting peptide-based vaccine candidate that is cold-chain independent. Each peptide building blocks consist of a linear arrangement comprising a 15-leucine (15L) self-assembly inducer moiety, a 15 amino acid Mtb epitope and a 9 amino acids HLA-E binding moiety, with each moiety separated by a triple lysine spacer.
Sponsor / Lead Developer: James Cook University
Primary Indication: Prevention of TB disease
Other Indication(s): Immunotherapy/Shortening TB treatment, Prevention of Mtb infection or sustained infection, and Prevention of TB recurrence
Target Population(s): Adolescents, Adults, Children, Elderly, and Infants
Target Route of Administration: To be determined
Immune tissue localization: Lung, Lymph node, and Skin
Immunological responses: B-cell/Antibody and T-cell
Preclinical Animal Models: Mouse
Intended to elicit trained immunity: No
Additional Immunologic Response Information
HYPOTHESIZED | DEMONSTRATED |
|
| Immune Response | B-cell/Antibody T-cell |
|
| T-cell phenotype | HLA-E | CD4 CD8 |
| T-cell functional profile | IFN-γ TNF-α IL-17 |
|
| Characteristics of B-cell response | Increased serum and BALF IgG and IgA | |
| Preferential immune tissue localization | Lung Lymph node Skin |
|
| Trained immunity | No | |
Additional Information
The PNx platform incorporates several transformative features that address long-standing limitations in TB vaccine development:
1. Cold-chain independence. PNx vaccines are stable and do not require refrigeration, critical for deployment in low-resource settings.
2. Adjuvant-free formulation. The self-adjuvanting design eliminates the need for external adjuvants, simplifying manufacturing and regulatory pathways.
3. Fully defined and biodegradable components. Built from short peptide building blocks, PNx vaccines are safe, reproducible, and biodegradable.
4. Scalable chemical synthesis. Peptides can be rapidly and economically synthesized using solid-phase chemistry, enabling fast adaptation to emerging needs.
5. Modular design. The building-block approach allows incorporation of new epitopes and binding peptides, making the platform flexible and customizable.
These features distinguish the PNx platform from viral vectors or protein subunit vaccines, many of which face hurdles with cold-chain logistics, high costs, or safety concerns.