---
title: "Synthetic VLP Vaccines"
description: "nCage's cage mimics the structure of a virus — the shape the immune system is built to recognize — without any of the genetic material that makes a virus infectious."
url: https://www.ncage.org/en/synthetic-vlp-vaccines
language: en
site: nCage Therapeutics
---

# Synthetic VLP Vaccines

nCage's cage mimics the structure of a virus — the shape the immune system is built to recognize — without any of the genetic material that makes a virus infectious.

> TRAP-cages act as synthetic virus-like particle vaccines, driving a greater immune response and lasting protection for patients.

## Three ways to display an antigen

### Typical virus (Reference point)

- Displays antigens across a repeating protein shell — the pattern the immune system responds to most strongly.
- Carries genetic material, which is what makes it infectious.

### Synthetic VLP (Current state of the art)

- Variants have been tested by nCage and its competition.
- Resembles the exterior of a virus and can be used as a vaccine.
- Antigens mounted only externally.
- Very strong immune response, already proven in clinical trials.

### TRAP-cage (nCage)

- A specific synthetic VLP developed by nCage.
- Programmable opening and closing supports improved vaccine designs.
- Internally mounted antigens create the chance for an even stronger response.
- A virus-like structure with scope for greater efficacy than current approaches.

- [01] The virus-like structure is easily recognized by the body, and delivers a large number of antigens close together — which increases the immune response.
- [02] Unlike viruses, synthetic VLPs are non-infectious, because they contain no genetic material.

## How nCage makes a TRAP-cage

Three steps, in order. Each one adds something the previous step made possible.

### 01. The scaffold

TRAP proteins are connected by gold links, which give the cage its stability.

### 02. Add-ons

Hooks and antigens are then attached to the cage.

### 03. Synthetic VLP

The finished particle carries antigens on both the interior and the exterior of the cage.

Vaccination leading to a strong immune response

## VLP vaccines are the most effective on the market

### 01. Naturally occurring VLPs significantly increase and extend immunity

Compared with soluble protein vaccines, protein cages displaying antigen engage multiple receptors of B cells in germinal centers. Those B cells retrieve and process larger amounts of antigen and interact more strongly with follicular T helper cells.

The result is higher levels and longer duration of immunity.

An enhanced response matters most in elderly populations, where immunosenescence reduces responsiveness to conventional vaccines.

### 02. But they exist for only two viruses

Naturally occurring VLPs have been developed into successful vaccines twice: Cervarix against human papillomavirus, and Recombivax HB against hepatitis B.

### 03. Synthetic VLPs remove that limitation

Synthetic VLPs work the same way as naturally occurring ones, but can be built for any virus.

Possible combination of antigens. Longer antibody persistence. Maximized antigen density. Easy manufacturing.

_Figure: Antigen presented on a protein cage engages multiple B cell receptors, producing higher and longer-lasting immunity than soluble protein._

## What a synthetic VLP vaccine offers over other vaccine types

- Fewer side effects
- Easier manufacturing
- Stronger immune response
- Vaccine combinations
- Higher durability
- Broader coverage of variants

Synthetic VLP vaccines have the potential to dominate future vaccine manufacturing.