Molecular Express Inc SBIR Phase I Award, February 2022

Project SummaryThe principal goal of this project is to develop a VesiVax®-based vaccine against Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng). The studies proposed in this SBIR Phase I application will be focused on co-formulating an newly identified surface-displayed outer membrane Ng protein, MtrE, with various immunostimulatory adjuvant molecules (IAMs) in the VesiVax® liposomal platform. We will characterize the immunogenicity of these VesiVax®-MtrE-IAM formulations in mice, and select for the best candidates to be further evaluated in a novel mouse upper reproductive tract Ng infection model. These studies will elucidate the immunological profile in a vaccine that will correlate with protective immunity against Ng.