Trimer

Trimer refers to a structural protein architecture consisting of three subunits, a configuration widely utilized in the development of recombinant fusion proteins and vaccines to mimic the native quaternary structure of biological targets. In oncology, the term is associated with SCB-313, a recombinant human TRAIL-Trimer fusion protein developed by Clover Biopharmaceuticals using their proprietary Trimer-Tag platform; this design aims to enhance the stability and potency of TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) for treating malignant pleural effusions and peritoneal malignancies. In the field of vaccinology, Trimer identifies stabilized viral envelope proteins, most notably Trimer 4571 (VRC-HIVRGP096-00-VP), a stabilized HIV-1 clade A envelope trimer developed by the NIH Vaccine Research Center to induce broadly neutralizing antibodies. The platform is also applied to COVID-19 vaccines, such as the S-Trimer (e.g., SCB-2019 or WestVac's recombinant XBB trimer), which presents the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in its native trimeric state to optimize the immune response.