Rhizavidin-biotinylated pneumococcal polysaccharide complex (MAPS-Pn)

The Biotin-binding rhizavidin complex with biotinylated pneumococcal polysaccharide antigens is a molecular assembly used in the Multiple Antigen Presenting System (MAPS) vaccine platform (Zhang et al., 2013). This complex utilizes the high-affinity interaction between rhizavidin, a dimeric protein from Rhizobium etli, and biotinylated polysaccharides to create a stable immunogenic structure (Affinivax, 2021). Unlike traditional pneumococcal conjugate vaccines that rely on covalent bonding, this non-covalent complex allows for the high-density display of antigens (Malley & Zhang, 2013). Its primary biological function is to induce a comprehensive immune response, including both humoral (B-cell) and cellular (T-cell) components, against Streptococcus pneumoniae (Lucey et al., 2022). The complex is designed to address various serotypes of the bacteria, aiming to prevent diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04445428). In clinical development, this technology has been applied to candidates like ASP3772, which targets 24 different pneumococcal serotypes (GSK, 2022). The interaction with the host immune system involves antigen-presenting cells recognizing the complex and facilitating the maturation of an adaptive immune response. This platform represents a significant advancement in vaccinology by simplifying the manufacturing of multi-valent vaccines while potentially increasing their breadth of protection.

Other names

Multiple Antigen Presenting SystemMAPSASP3772AFX3772Rhizavidin-biotin complex

The complex functions as a vaccine that induces a dual immune response; the polysaccharides trigger B-cell mediated antibody production (humoral immunity), while the protein components (rhizavidin and potentially other fused proteins) enhance the response through T-cell activation, providing broad protection against Streptococcus pneumoniae.