gp96-based Zika vaccine

The **gp96-based Zika vaccine** is an investigational cell-based vaccine platform utilizing a secreted form of the heat shock protein glycoprotein 96 (gp96-Ig) fused with Zika virus antigens, such as pre-membrane and envelope proteins. Developed by researchers at the University of Miami in collaboration with Heat Biologics, it leverages gp96's dual role as a chaperone for antigenic peptides and an adjuvant that activates antigen-presenting cells via TLR2/TLR4 and CD91, promoting cross-presentation on MHC class I to induce robust, tissue-resident CD8+ T cell responses, particularly in mucosal sites like the placenta and decidua. This approach aims to prevent Zika virus transmission from mother to fetus during pregnancy by eliciting local protective immunity at the maternal-fetal interface, building on preclinical proof-of-concept from SIV, malaria, and other pathogens.

Other names

secreted gp96-Ig Zika vaccine