Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Heat-Stable Toxin N12S Mutant

The Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) heat-stable toxin N12S mutant is a genetically modified version of the native ETEC heat-stable enterotoxin (STa), in which the asparagine at position 12 is replaced by serine (N12S). This mutation is designed to reduce toxicity while retaining immunogenicity, making it suitable for use in vaccine development against ETEC-induced diarrhea. The mutant is designed to act as a toxoid to induce neutralizing antibodies capable of preventing the wild-type toxin from binding and activating guanylyl cyclase C.

Other names

STa N12SETEC STa N12S mutant3xSTaN12S-dmLT

The N12S mutation reduces the enterotoxic activity of STa but preserves its antigenic properties, allowing it to induce neutralizing antibodies without causing disease symptoms. Vaccine candidates work by eliciting antibodies that neutralize the wild-type STa toxin, preventing it from activating guanylyl cyclase C receptors and causing fluid secretion.