AS01E adjuvant system (AS01E)

The AS01E adjuvant system is a liposomal vaccine adjuvant formulation developed by GlaxoSmithKline, comprising monophosphoryl lipid A (a detoxified TLR4 agonist derived from Salmonella) and QS-21 (a saponin purified from Quillaja saponaria) in cholesterol-containing liposomes. AS01E boosts immune responses by activating innate immune sensors (TLR4 and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways), inducing production of proinflammatory cytokines and enhancing antigen presentation, ultimately resulting in robust T cell and antibody responses. It is incorporated in several licensed vaccines, including Shingrix, RTS,S/AS01E, AREXVY, and investigational vaccines like M72/AS01E for tuberculosis. AS01E itself is not a molecular target but a platform acting upon multiple molecular and cellular targets within the immune system, making "Immune system activation via AS01E adjuvant" a mechanism or process rather than a strict pharmacological target.

Other names

AS01EGSK proprietary liposomal adjuvant systemAS01 familyAdjuvant System 01E

Synergistic activation of innate immunity by MPL (TLR4 agonist) and QS-21 (saponin, NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway) Stimulation of antigen-presenting cells Induction of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18, IFN-γ) Promotion of adaptive immunity (enhanced antibody and T cell responses)