QS-21, an immunostimulatory saponin, could be used as a potent vaccine adjuvant. QS-21 stimulates Th2 humoral and Th1 cell-mediated immune responses through action on antigen presenting cells (APCs) and T cells. QS-21 can activate the NLRP3 inflammasome with subsequent release of caspase-1 dependent cytokines, IL-1β and IL-18.
Application:
In vitro, QS-21 (2.5, 5, 25 μM) treatment of HUVEC and PBMC cells for 24 hours significantly reduced cell viability, with this cytotoxic effect being more pronounced in HUVEC cells[4]. QS-21 (0-50 μM) treatment of two human gastric cancer cell lines (SNU 1 and KATO III) and a normal human cell line (GES-1) for 24 hours resulted in dose-dependent toxicity in KATO III and SNU 1 cells, with IC50 values of 67μM and 13.6μM, respectively, but showed almost no cytotoxicity to GES-1 cells. In vivo, immunization of mice with Aβ42 formulated with QS-21 adjuvant produced the highest antibody titers, followed by CFA/IFA > alum > TMG.