Culture filtrate protein 10-Mtb32-Heat shock protein X fusion protein (CFP10-Mtb32-HspX)

The CFP10-Mtb32-HspX fusion protein is a recombinant multi-antigen construct developed as a vaccine candidate against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It integrates three key mycobacterial proteins: CFP10 (a secreted virulence factor), Mtb32 (a serine protease), and HspX (a heat shock protein associated with bacterial latency). This combination is strategically designed to provide broad protection by targeting the pathogen during both its active growth and dormant phases. In preclinical studies, this fusion protein has demonstrated the ability to elicit strong Th1-type immune responses, characterized by high levels of interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. It is primarily investigated for its potential as a subunit vaccine, often delivered with adjuvants or via viral vectors, to enhance the protective efficacy of the traditional BCG vaccine or serve as a therapeutic vaccine for latent tuberculosis. While it is an active agent in development rather than a traditional drug target, it serves as the focal point for inducing protective immunity against tuberculosis infection.

Other names

CFP10-Mtb32-HspX recombinant proteinEsxB-Rv0125-Rv2031c fusionCMH fusion protein

The fusion protein acts as a multi-stage vaccine candidate designed to stimulate both prophylactic and therapeutic immune responses. CFP10 and Mtb32 are highly immunogenic antigens expressed during active Mycobacterium tuberculosis replication, while HspX (alpha-crystallin) is a dominant antigen during the latent or dormant phase. By combining these, the protein aims to prime the immune system to recognize the pathogen across different stages of its life cycle, inducing Th1-polarized T-cell responses and interferon-gamma production to control or prevent infection.