UM-1098

UM-1098 is a synthetic small molecule agonist of the macrophage-inducible C-type lectin (Mincle) receptor (also known as CLEC4E). Developed by the University of Montana's Center for Translational Medicine in collaboration with Inimmune, UM-1098 is designed as a novel vaccine adjuvant to induce robust Th1 and Th17 immune responses. It is primarily being investigated for use in tuberculosis (TB) vaccines, often formulated with mycobacterial antigens such as M72 or ESAT6/Ag85B, and delivered via silica nanoparticle systems (like anionic bare SNP or cationic amine-functionalized SNP) or in combination with other adjuvants like the TLR4 agonist INI-2002. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that UM-1098-adjuvanted vaccines significantly reduce lung bacterial burden in Mycobacterium tuberculosis challenge models without causing pulmonary inflammation.