Research progress on saponin QS-21 as a vaccine adjuvant
10.13200/j.cnki.cjb.004789
- VernacularTitle:皂苷QS-21作为疫苗佐剂的研究进展
- Author:
Xiaojing LIANG
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
QS-21;
Saponin;
Vaccine adjuvant;
Liposomes;
Immune mechanism
- From:
Chinese Journal of Biologicals
2026;39(10):1272-1280
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
QS-21 is a natural triterpenoid saponin adjuvant derived from the South American Quillaja saponaria, significantly enhancing vaccine efficacy by augmenting antigen-specific humoral and cellular immunity. Currently, QS-21 serves as a key component of composite adjuvant systems such as AS01 and Matrix-M, which have been approved for use in multiple vaccines, demonstrating its favorable adjuvant activity and tolerability. Additionally, a variety of adjuvants containing QS-21,such as army liposome formulation with QS-21(ALFQ), are in the clinical research stage and expected to be applied to the research fields of vaccines for major infectious diseases and tumor treatment. This review summarizes the discovery, clinical applications, structural characteristics, immune mechanisms, limitations and corresponding solution strategies of QS-21, with the aim of providing new insights for the preparation of a new generation of vaccines and the formulation of immunotherapy strategies.
