In this research, we evaluate in vitro activities of protective antigens derived from known and unknown components of various pathogens. We select vaccine seeds, evaluate in vivo activities, and develop promising candidates as vaccines or immune-stimulating or -suppressive agents. As the specific aim 1, we aim to clarify the structural basis of immune-stimulating and ?suppressive activities of mycobacterial glycolipids. As the specific aim 2, we plan to establish an inexpensive, cross-protective pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) nasal vaccine using TLR ligand as an adjuvant, and aim to demonstrate its protective effect.
Specific Aim 1: We intend to clarify the structural basis and physiological significance of mycobacterial glycolipids that are thought to be critical for immune modulation. In future, this research may lead into the development of vaccines, drugs, and immune-modulatory agents.
Specific Aim 2: Selection of family and clade of PspA, TLR ligand, and ratios of PspA to TLR ligand, may lead to the development of an inexpensive and cross-protective PspA nasal vaccine with a high protective activity in the future.
