Delivery of proteins: vaccines and monoclonal antibodies

Question 1

What are the two main classes of polypeptides

Answer 1

1. Proteins and peptides

2. Monoclonal antibodies

Question 2

What are the three different vaccine types and give examples of each of them

Answer 2

Live attenuated: polio, BCG, typhoid fever

Killed: influenza

Subunit: Hepatitis B, tetanus toxin, typhoid fever

Question 3

Describe the four different compositions of vaccines

Answer 3

1. Antigen- what the immune response generates to and protects from infection
   Example: Whole organism
2. Adjuvant- promotes an immune response to drive inflammation
   Example: ALUM (aluminimum salts)
3. Stabilisers- prevents physical or chemical degradation of antigen
   Example: Polysorbates
4. Preservatives
   Prevents microbial growth
   Example: Formaldehyde

Question 4

How are vaccines normally delivered via which route

Answer 4

Intramuscular injection

Oral

Question 5

What are the formulation challenges involved with vaccines

Answer 5

Stability: complex bio macromolecule formation

Multiple doses required

Minimal interactions possible to create multivalent doses