Research Collaboration Led by the John Innes Centre Achieves Ground breaking Milestone in Sustainable Vaccine Manufacturing
UK: In a pioneering development, a vital molecule extracted from the soapbark tree, traditionally used as a key ingredient in vaccines, has been successfully reproduced in an alternative plant host. The breakthrough, led by the John Innes Centre, involved utilizing the recently published genome sequence of the Chilean soapbark tree to identify and map the elusive genes and enzymes needed to produce the compound QS-21.
Employing innovative transient expression techniques, the research team recreated the chemical pathway in a tobacco plant. This achievement marks the first instance of 'free-from-tree' production of QS-21, a potent vaccine adjuvant crucial in vaccines for shingles, malaria, and other ongoing developments.
Traditionally sourced from soapbark tree bark, concerns about the environmental sustainability of QS-21 supply have prompted researchers to explore alternative production methods. The complex structure of the molecule, coupled with limited knowledge about its biochemical pathway in the tree, had posed challenges until now.
Published in Nature Chemical Biology, the study not only signifies a major stride in sustainable vaccine manufacturing but also holds promise for understanding the molecule's workings. Dr. Laetitia Martin, the first author, expressed excitement about the potential impact on society, emphasizing the rewards of scientific achievement in improving lives.
Partnering with Plant Bioscience Limited (PBL) Norwich Limited, the John Innes Centre is spearheading the commercialization of this ground-breaking project. This development is expected to revolutionize vaccine production, addressing both environmental concerns and scalability issues associated with QS-21. (Source: John Innes Centre; Journal reference: Martin, L. B. B., et al. (2024). Complete biosynthesis of the potent vaccine adjuvant QS-21. Nature Chemical Biology. doi.org/10.1038/s41589-023-01538-5.)