Chinese scientists have developed a novel vaccine booster, termed SABER (STING Agonist-Based ER-Targeting Molecules), which significantly amplifies immune responses against cancer and rapidly mutating viruses. This innovative approach addresses the “last-mile” challenge in vaccine delivery by efficiently transporting antigens directly to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) within antigen-presenting cells (APCs). The ER serves as a crucial cellular “highway,” facilitating the processing and presentation of antigens to the immune system. By employing SABER, researchers have achieved up to a 150-fold increase in immune response, demonstrating enhanced preventive and therapeutic effects against conditions such as melanoma, liver cancer, and coronaviruses.
The SABER system functions akin to a molecular “elevator,” bypassing traditional cellular barriers to deliver vaccine antigens directly to their intended intracellular destinations. This precise targeting not only enhances the efficacy of vaccines but also offers potential improvements in treatments for various malignancies and infectious diseases. The collaborative research, conducted by teams from Sun Yat-sen University, Fudan University, and Liaoning University, represents a significant advancement in immunotherapy. By effectively solving critical delivery challenges, SABER holds promise for transforming vaccine development and cancer treatment strategies. Click for More Details
