Case Studies: Here are 4 success stories that highlight these capabilities
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1. Smallpox Subunit Vaccine Candidate
Under a NIAID contract, we have produced four vaccinia proteins in quantities ranging from several hundred milligrams to grams, all at purities greater than 99%. In vitro and in vivo rodent protection studies conducted by our collaborator have demonstrated immunological activity indistinguishable from the proteins produced in cultured cells. These proteins with adjuvant have been tested as a vaccine candidate and they fully protected against a pox challenge in studies with mice and non-human primates. We also have provided these proteins to the ATCC for distribution to other researchers.
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2. Virus-Like Particles
We have produced a series of virus like particles. During optimization we also developed a gentle, high volume purification protocol that results in what one experienced customer called the best morphology they had ever observed. In addition, yields were two orders of magnitude greater than the customer had been able to produce in a cell culture system.
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3. Butyrylcholinesterase
We have produced native butyrylcholinesterase for customers interested in its function as a bioscavenger. In addition, we have collaborated to produce proteins from variants derived from a directed mutagenesis program, taking advantage of the speed and flexibility of the PERLXpress system. Small quantities of biomass are produced rapidly, followed by larger quantities of those proteins that survive preliminary screening. The success of this program has now led one customer to begin preliminary work on another bioscavenger candidate with potential neurochemical applications beyond its role as a bioscavenger.
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4. Growth Hormone
Beginning with a DNA sequence, we developed baculovirus vectors that optimized the yield of a growth hormone. Working with interchangeable vector components and optimized insect inoculation and incubation, we increased yield ten-fold over reported mammalian systems, 99.9% pure protein per kilogram of larvae enabling viable commercial production. The protein has been shown to be processed properly, including cleavage, folding and dimerization. The mature protein has been shown to be biologically active in vitro and in vivo.
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