BCG-IL-18

**BCG-IL-18** is a recombinant strain of *Mycobacterium bovis* Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) genetically engineered to secrete interleukin-18 (IL-18), a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine. The drug is designed to augment the traditional immunostimulatory and antitumor properties of BCG by enhancing Th1-type immune responses, notably via increased induction of IFN-gamma, GM-CSF, and IL-10 after antigenic stimulation. This Th1 bias and improved cellular immunity are believed to yield improved efficacy in prophylactic or therapeutic vaccination, particularly for intracellular infections such as tuberculosis and for immunotherapy of bladder cancer, compared to conventional BCG therapy. The recombinant IL-18 produced is functional and augments cytokine secretion relevant to antitumor and antibacterial activity. Applications include immunotherapy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and development of better tuberculosis vaccines.

Other names

recombinant BCG expressing IL-18rBCG-IL-18rBCG-IL18rBCG-IL 18