Using genetically modified yeast to make vaccines

Genetically modified yeast can be used to express vaccine antigens. Surprisingly, emerging evidence suggests that consuming this yeast can have a vaccination effect. This has been demonstrated by many labs in mice and was recently demonstrated for the first time in humans by Chris Buck, a researcher at the National Cancer Institute at NIH. The live yeast protects the antigen from stomach acid and acts as a natural adjuvicant.

I'll give a short 10 minute talk on the benefits of using yeast to make vaccines, based off a blog I did a few months ago (also cross-posted on EA Forum).

Radvac, a biosecurity-focused nonprofit (and ACX grantee!) will be running a phase I trial on the yeast vaccine demonstrated by Chris Buck, which is for BK Polyomavirus (BKPyM). BKPyV is considered harmless in most people, and about 90-99% of people have been infected by at least one of the BKPyV subtypes. However, BKPyV often causes problems in immunocompromised individuals.

There are theoretical reasons to think BKPyV may be implicated in some bladder cancer even in healthy individuals, but it's hard to show an association since almost everyone has been infected. Periodic flare-ups of the virus may also be a leading cause of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome, which effects 1-3% of people.

I'll present a bit of information on the trial. If anyone is interested in participating I'll be taking down emails if anyone is interested in being a potential participant. People can also share their email to be informed about future trials - the next one will likely be on a vaccine for influenza.

Share your email here to be informed about upcoming Phase I trials!

Intramuscular flu vaccines do not induce mucosal immunity, but oral yeast vaccines do, so yeast-based flu vaccine could be better than existing vaccines at presenting illness.

If all this sounds too good to be true, or otherwise piques your interest, come to the session to learn more.