Transmucosis has developed a mucosal vaccination platform that is able to induce both mucosal and systemic immunity. We’ve successfully demonstrated this dual mode of immune activation both in mice and hamsters. We are now preparing for human clinical trials.

Our platform is differentiated by how it leverages the unique properties of the FcRn receptor. For context, the FcRn receptor is abundantly expressed on epithelial cells and binds under mild acidic conditions to the Fc region of IgG. Its physiological role is to extend IgG  half-life and transport IgG antibodies across epithelial cell barriers. Transmucosis is exploiting these unique properties of the FcRn receptor by making DNA constructs coding for viral antigens linked to Fc, thus mimicking heavy chain IgG antibody molecules.

Upon nasal delivery, our vaccine molecules bind to Fc receptors in the nasal cavity and are transported across the epithelial cell barrier into the mucosal tissues where they elicit a secretory IgA and tissue-resident memory Tcell response. Our vaccine molecules also enter the circulation, transported by FcRn receptors present on endothelial cells lining the microvasculature, where they elicit a systemic Tcell and IgG response.