SAP Tn-9mer

SAP Tn-9mer is an experimental cancer vaccine candidate utilizing a self-assembling peptide (SAP) platform to deliver the Tn carbohydrate antigen. The construct consists of the Q11 self-assembling peptide sequence (QQKFQFQFEQQ) conjugated to a 9-mer peptide, typically derived from the MUC1 protein sequence (VTSAPDTRP), which is modified with the Tn antigen (GalNAc-Ser/Thr). Upon administration, the SAP component spontaneously organizes into stable nanofibers that serve as a multivalent display for the Tn-9mer epitope and act as an intrinsic adjuvant. This presentation effectively stimulates the immune system to produce high titers of anti-Tn antibodies and activate T-cell responses against Tn-expressing tumor cells, which are prevalent in various epithelial cancers due to aberrant O-glycosylation. The asset has been primarily investigated in academic settings for its potential to overcome the low immunogenicity typically associated with carbohydrate antigens.

Other names

Self-assembling peptide Tn-9mer vaccineTn-9mer-SAPTn9mer-SAPTn 9mer-SAP