NP-polySA-KLH

NP-polySA-KLH is an investigational cancer vaccine composed of N-propionylated polysialic acid (NP-polySA) conjugated to the carrier protein keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). NP-polySA is a chemically modified form of polysialic acid, a polymer found abundantly on the surface of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells and minimally in adult tissues. By conjugating NP-polySA to KLH, an immunogenic carrier, and administering it with an adjuvant (QS-21), this vaccine is designed to break immunological tolerance and induce immune responses (mainly IgM and some IgG antibodies) that target SCLC cells. NP-polySA-KLH induces robust, high-titer antibodies that cross-react with native polysialic acid on tumor cells, providing a potential immunotherapeutic approach for patients in remission from SCLC to prevent disease recurrence. Antibodies raised also display bactericidal activity against group B meningococcus, due to cross-reactivity. The vaccine is in clinical trials for SCLC as a component of minimal residual disease therapy and may be included in polyvalent vaccines targeting additional SCLC-associated carbohydrate antigens[1][2].

Brand names

NP-polySA-KLH

Other names

N-propionyl polysialic acid–KLH conjugateN-propionylated-polysialic acid–KLHNP-polySA–KLH