Boston-based biotechnology company, Corner Therapeutics, demonstrated its novel adjuvant technology can transform existing annual flu vaccines into universal immunizations that eliminate the need for annual shots. Its able to do this through its hyperactivator adjuvants platform which can generate T cells in vivo outperforming standard influenza vaccine adjuvants.1 The hyperactivator is a lipid-based adjuvant and elicits 5 dendritic cell activities which induce immunity.2
Investigators from the company developed these hyperactivators, which engage the dendritic cells. When used in vaccine settings in non-human primates, the influenza vaccine Afluria was converted into a universal formulation capable of targeting all virus strains—all while maintaining excellent safety margins. 1
With this novel technology, the company conducted a study, which was published in mBio, and claims the hyperactivator platform represents a major step toward both universal vaccines and additionally more effective cancer treatments using the same underlying technology. 1
“Our hyperactivator technology addresses a fundamental challenge for vaccines: how to protect people from broad strains of a virus while providing a durable, lifelong immune response,” Corner Therapeutics Cofounder and President Jonathan Kagan, PhD, said in a statement. “This research validates a central dogma in immunology, that dendritic cells are the best conduit to robust T cell responses and immunity. This work not only moves us one step closer to a universal influenza vaccine that could eliminate the need for annual shots, but also provides proof-of-concept for our approach to cancer immunotherapies, where T cell activities are key to tumor eradication."
What You Need to Know
Corner Therapeutics’ lipid-based “hyperactivator” adjuvant technology successfully converted an existing flu vaccine (Afluria) into a universal formulation in animal studies, eliminating the need for annual shots.
The hyperactivators enhance dendritic cell activity to generate strong, durable T cell responses and cross-strain antibody protection, outperforming traditional adjuvants like aluminum hydroxide.
Beyond influenza, this proof-of-concept suggests promise for oncology immunotherapies, with plans to enter human clinical trials by 2027.
Concurrently, the study served as proof-of-concept for Corner's technologies for oncology, where the generation of robust and durable T cell responses is critical for treating cancer. These discoveries were done in animals, and further evidence needs to be shown inhuman trials. Corner’s hyperactivator technology was tested in both mice and non-human primates, where it enhanced cross-strain antibody responses and generated robust T cell memory. Unlike existing adjuvants such as aluminum hydroxide (Alum), Corner's hyperactivators do not kill dendritic cells, but rather instruct these apex regulators of immunity to generate long term memory. 1
This approach represents a shift in how immunotherapies can be optimized for maximum health. The company says it aims to begin clinical trials of its hyperactivator technology by the end of 2027.1
2.Finn K, Chow J, Zhivaki D, Sengupta D, Concepcion H, Komoroski V, MacFarlane C, Coblentz PD, Chokshi M, Matissek S, Gosselin E, Alkekhia D, Nikiforov A, Lamberti N, Iheanyichukwu V, Kelly C, Arinze C, Cornforth A, Elloul S, Kagan JC. 0. An NLRP3-stimulatory adjuvant improves the immunogenicity of influenza virus vaccines in mice and non-human primates. mBio 0:e02343-25.
