Statens Serum Institut

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Peter Andersen

Ida Rosenkrands

Gurdyal S Besra

Claus Aagaard

Anja Olsen

Peter Lawætz Andersen

Claire Andersen

Søren Tetens Hoff

David E Minnikin

Gurdyal Bersra

David Minikin

The present invention discloses in vitro and in vivo diagnostic methods with enhanced specificity and sensitivity for the detection of tuberculosis. The diagnostic reagents of the present invention can replace former mixtures/cocktails/pools of antigens comprising ESAT-6 but including ESAT6 improves the diagnosis even further.

Diagnostic reagents for improved in vivo or in vitro cell-mediated immunological diagnosis of tuberculosis

Here we identify MMG and its alpha- and ketomycolic acid derivatives as highly bioactive lipids derived fromBCG (Copenhagen) capable of stimulating and activating human DC's at exceedingly low doses. In addition to their direct role as immunostimulators of human DC's we demonstrate their use in the development of a new generation of adjuvants suitable for human administration. We furthermore identify a number of highly active synthetic MMG analogues with great potential in cancer treatment, and for vaccine adjuvants against both infectious disease and disorders like Alzheimers disease.

Use of monomycolyl glycerol (MMG) as an adjuvant

The present invention provides a vaccine adjuvant consisting of a combination of a surfactant i.e. dimethyldeoctadecylammonium-bromide/chloride (DDA) and a lipid extract fromBCG. The total lipid extract contains both apolar lipids, polar lipids, and lipids of intermediate polarity of which the apolar lipids were found to induce the most powerful immune responses. The total lipids may be extracted with chloroform/methanol and re-dissolved in water before the addition of surfactant. This preparation may be used to induce prominent cell-mediated immune responses in a mammal in order to combat pathogens, or as a treatment for cancer.

Adjuvant combinations of liposomes and mycobacterial lipids for immunization compositions and vaccines

Growing community of inventors

Copenhagen, Denmark

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