Protein Expression for Vaccine Development

April 26, 2023 / by Justin Byers

Overcoming challenges in process design

Recombinant proteins are an essential component of many vaccines. However, producing these crucial proteins can be challenging. From selecting the appropriate expression system to optimizing fermentation and purification processes, there are many factors to consider when designing a process to make high-quality proteins that can be used for vaccine development.

At the World Vaccine Congress in Washington, DC, one topic experts across the field of vaccine development discussed in-depth was the challenges they face in recombinant protein manufacturing. As they shared insights on how to overcome those challenges, a common theme that emerged was the importance of working with a knowledgeable and trusted partner.

A knowledgeable partner, such as Aldevron, will have extensive experience producing thousands of custom proteins using a variety of expression systems and protein purification techniques. Services such as gene synthesis, expression optimization, protein purification, and analytical services, can help clients overcome often unforeseen challenges. This can be done by starting each project with clearly defined goals. Just as importantly, an experienced partner will point out steps in the process where challenges may be encountered.

One of the key factors in protein expression is the choice of expression system. Different systems, such as bacteria or mammalian cells, have their unique advantages and disadvantages. Bacteria, for instance, are easy to grow, but may not produce correctly folded proteins. Mammalian cells, on the other hand, can produce properly folded proteins, but are more difficult to work with and are often more expensive.

Another challenge is optimizing fermentation conditions to produce high yields of the target protein. Factors such as pH, temperature, and agitation need to be carefully controlled to ensure that the cells produce the protein efficiently. Additionally, fermentation processes need to be optimized for the specific expression system being used.

Once the protein is expressed, it needs to be separated from the host cell impurities and it needs to be in its active form. Protein purification can be a complex process that requires expertise in chromatography, filtration and refolding techniques.

Calling out areas where challenges may be encountered is a great initial step in the process, but to produce high-quality recombinant proteins requires a deep understanding of protein expression and purification. Without this knowledge, challenges can go unmet and project timelines can slip. This is why leveraging an experienced partner is key to developing solutions when challenges are encountered.

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