Immunomodulation Using Spores and Pollen Grains

Description:

This technology provides that pollen grains and plant spores can be very effective biomaterials for achieving oral vaccination. Oral vaccination continues to be one of the ’holy grails’ in the field of vaccinology. Oral vaccination is needle-free, child friendly, convenient, painless, amenable to self-administration, and is safer because it eliminates needle stick injuries and eliminates sharp medical waste. However, degradation of vaccine antigens in the acid and enzyme-rich environment of the stomach, and poor uptake of vaccine molecules across the tightly juxtaposed epithelial cells of the intestinal mucosa continue to hinder the use of the oral route of vaccination.

This technology surpasses many of the disadvantages typically associated with oral vaccination. Experiments utilizing this technology have shown that this is an effective method of vaccine delivery and results in a very high immune response. This technology uses the method of using pollen grains (including plant, moss, fern, algae, bacterial spores) as immunomodulators.

Reference Number: D-0884

Market Applications:

The technology would be of interest to the pharmaceutical industry. Vaccine manufacturers would be the primary customers, with the general public constituting the end user.

Features, Benefits, & Advantages:

• Less expensive and less painful

• No delivery device required

• More efficient uptake of vaccine molecules

• Higher induction of mucosal immunity

• More convenient to use

Intellectual Property:

A PCT patent application, PCT/US13/64832 was filed on 10/14/2013.

Development Stage:

The technology has been reduced to practice, but testing of various vaccines is ongoing.

Publications:

The patent has been published as WO2014/062566.