Molecular Engineering of biologics
This strand focuses on the design, engineering, and characterization of relevant protein-based vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostic reagents to improve their efficiency and manufacturability.
PROTEIN ANTIGENS
Our team has developed a fast and scalable CHO cell-based platform to produce SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins, including most variants of concern, at high yields.
This technology also enables the production of spike proteins from other potentially pandemic coronaviruses (e.g., SARS1, MERS, seasonal strains), with enhanced expression through protein engineering.
This platform lays the foundation for rapid vaccine development in response to future coronavirus outbreaks and can be adapted to other WHO-priority viruses such as Ebola, avian influenza, Nipah, and Lassa.
VIRUS-LIKE PARTICULES (VLP)
Virus-like particles (VLP) are promising vaccine platforms due to their ability to elicit strong humoral and cellular immune responses.
Building on recent clinical advances (e.g., Medicago’s Covifenz and VBI Vaccines’ Phase I trials), our team has developed a novel CHO-based system for high-yield production of trimeric S-decorated VLPs that closely mimic SARS-CoV-2. These VLPs demonstrate potent immunogenicity at nanogram doses and can be affinity-purified in a single step.
Ongoing research focuses on optimizing structural and biochemical parameters to enhance stability and immunogenicity, supported by collaborations with Ivano Biosciences and VVector Bio
MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES (MAB) AND NANOBODIES (VHH)
Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) are key complementary tools in pandemic response, offering rapid protection and serving both diagnostic and therapeutic roles.
To overcome challenges posed by viral mutations (e.g., SARS-CoV-2 and H5N1), our team is developing mAbs targeting conserved viral domains and designing antibody cocktails to enhance efficacy. In collaboration with NRC and Immune Biosolutions, we are leveraging AI-driven discovery platforms and exploring Fc modifications to mitigate antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE).
Notably, our stable, aerosolizable llama-derived single-domain antibodies (VHHs) have shown strong protection in preclinical models and are being engineered for extended half-life. One candidate, Rimteravimab (VHH72 derivative), is currently in clinical trials.
ADVANCED STRUCTURAL AND BIOPHYSICAL BIOLOGICS CHARACTERIZATION
Our team has developed a robust platform for the rapid purification and structural analysis of SARS-CoV-2 and other coronavirus spike (S) proteins. This enables detailed biophysical and mechanistic studies of viral entry, antibody interactions, and proteolytic susceptibility.
Using advanced techniques such as ELISA, SPR, X-ray crystallography, and cryo-EM, we aim to elucidate how evolutionary changes in viral glycoproteins affect function and antibody recognition—insights that will inform the engineering of potent and manufacturable biologics.