Technology

Vector Platform

Hyperattenuated Virus Vector

The foundational technology for influenza virus attenuation—achieved through deletion of the NS1 gene—was first developed and published by Dr. Egorov in 1998 (Journal of Virology, Aug. 1998, pp. 6437–6441). In the years that followed, efforts were focused on refining viral constructs to optimize their safety, immunogenicity, and scalability for production in both cell cultures and embryonated chicken eggs. This platform has since supported the development of a variety of experimental influenza vaccines and viral vectors aimed at preventing influenza and other respiratory diseases in both humans and animals.

Genomic Structure of UniFluVec™

In 2016, Dr. Egorov and colleagues filed a patent for a novel influenza virus vector design that introduces two key genomic modifications: a partial deletion of the NS1 gene and the replacement of the NEP gene with a heterologous counterpart from a different influenza A virus subtype. This innovative approach results in highly attenuated influenza vectors that offer superior safety compared to traditional cold-adapted live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) strains. These recombinant viruses are not only highly immunogenic but also capable of achieving high replication titers in both embryonated chicken eggs and Vero cells.

The universal influenza vaccine candidate, UniFluVec™, demonstrated a favorable safety profile in Phase 1 clinical trials, showing a replication-deficient phenotype even at high doses in adult volunteers (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04650971).

Additionally, the partial NS1 gene deletion facilitates exceptionally high vector yields in 10-day-old embryonated chicken eggs, enabling efficient production using standard influenza vaccine manufacturing infrastructure. A streamlined purification process—based solely on tangential flow filtration—has been developed. The final drug product formulation ensures stability at +4°C, supporting ease of storage and distribution.

Advantages of UniFluVec™

Highly Attenuated and Temperature-Sensitive: Causes only abortive infections in the nasal mucosa, enhancing safety.
Replication-Deficient via Intranasal Delivery: Confirmed in Phase I clinical trials.
Strong T-Cell Activation: Effectively stimulates robust cytotoxic T-cell responses.
Enhanced Induction of Tissue-Resident Memory Cells: Promotes cross-protective CD8⁺ Trm cells in the respiratory tract.
Intrinsic Adjuvanting Effect: Temporarily induces local expression of immuno-stimulating cytokines.
Broad Antigen Presentation: Improves recognition of conserved influenza antigens; shows cross-protection against H3N2 and highly pathogenic H5N1 strains.
Scalable Manufacturing: Compatible with existing influenza vaccine production infrastructure.
High-Yield Production: Achieves titers >9.0 Log₁₀ EID₅₀ in embryonated chicken eggs.
Streamlined Purification: Utilizes a simple, efficient tangential flow filtration process.
Stable Formulation: Final product is stable at +4°C, supporting standard cold-chain logistics.

Other Proprietary Technologies

In silico Design of the
Pathogen Insert

Using advanced algorithms developed by our partner company (www.epiquest.co.uk), including EpiQuest-T and T-Scanner, we perform rapid in silico analysis of multiple pathogen protein sequences. These powerful tools not only identify MHCI-binding cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes but also assess their relative immunodominance. This enables the design of optimized inserts enriched with strong, broadly recognized (promiscuous) CTL epitopes while excluding low-avidity “decoy” epitopes.

This approach allows us to engineer vaccine constructs that elicit effective immune responses across all serotypes of the target pathogen.

Unique Adjuvants to Boost
CTL Responses

Our proprietary Immunomodulating Peptides (IMPs™©) serve as both specific and non-specific immune activators. They stimulate T-helper (Th) cells, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), and Th0 precursors, while also modulating dendritic cell polarization and activating macrophages. By enhancing the immune response, IMPs™© boost the effectiveness of vaccine formulations—amplifying primary immune activation, lowering the required vaccine dose and production costs, and promoting the development of tissue-resident memory T-cell populations (e.g., IFN⁺TNF⁺IL-2⁺).

Novel Cell Line for Virus Rescue & Production

Capricorn Technologies GmbH has developed a proprietary Vero cell clone—AEX-1—specifically optimized for enhanced vaccine production. Adapted to OptiPRO™ serum-free medium (Gibco™), AEX-1 significantly outperforms conventional Vero cell lines in both virus rescue and yield.

Following plasmid transfection, AEX-1 enables the recovery of recombinant influenza viruses with up to 1,000-fold higher efficiency compared to traditional Vero cells under identical conditions. Additionally, this cell line supports the robust production of recombinant Capricorn vaccine strains and other influenza viruses, achieving 10 to 100 times greater viral yields than standard Vero lines.

Unique Virus Purification and Lyophilization Protocol

Capricorn Technologies GmbH has developed and continues to refine advanced techniques for purifying influenza viruses from both the allantoic fluid of embryonated chicken eggs and the culture medium of Vero cells. The optimized protocol employs tangential flow filtration (TFF) and diafiltration, eliminating the need for chromatographic purification steps.

When processing virus from allantoic fluid, the method achieves ovalbumin levels below 1 microgram per milliliter in the final vaccine formulation, while ensuring 100% recovery of viral material. This efficient purification and concentration system enables the scalable production of high-quality vaccine doses, whether derived from egg-based or cell culture-based virus propagation.