Australian researchers have unlocked the mechanism of a key vaccine-boosting component, gaining new insights into delta inulin and offering a promising pathway for developing the next generation of vaccines.
Combining the efforts of the Centenary Institute and the University of Sydney, researchers uncovered a pivotal aspect of delta inulin’s function as an adjuvant, or an additive designed to increase the effects of medicine.
The study, published in Immunology & Cell Biology, used a diverse range of techniques to identify a protein known as Dendritic Cell-Specific Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-3-Grabbing Non-Integrin (DC-SIGN) as a receptor for delta inulin.
DC-SIGN has been known to act as a trans-receptor for a large group of viral agents, including HIV, Ebola, SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus or COVID-19).
What does it all mean?
Lead study author and researcher at both the Centenary Institute’s Centre for Infection & Immunity and the University of Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, Dr Erica Stewart, said that DC-SIGN was a protein found on the surface of certain immune cells called dendritic cells
"DC-SIGN acts like a lock on cell surfaces and delta inulin functions as the key that fits into this lock, binding them together,” she explained.
“This study shows that when we vaccinate with delta inulin, our cells use DC-SIGN to detect the vaccine, which then helps activate and boost the body’s immune response."
Dr Stewart said the study’s findings carried important implications for future vaccine development.
“This study not only offers us improved understanding of the intricate mechanisms governing vaccine immune responses to delta inulin but also opens up new avenues for the development of next-generation vaccines,” Dr Stewart said.
“With this new insight into delta inulin’s mode of action, researchers can now explore the creation of new vaccines that work hand-in-hand with delta inulin, offering even greater protection against existing and emerging infectious diseases.
“This breakthrough is like finding a crucial piece of the puzzle that can make our vaccines smarter, leading to better health and safety for people worldwide,” she said.