Kanpur: Scientists at IIT Kanpur have revealed how an experimental molecule called EP67 switches on an important receptor found on human immune cells. EP67 is a candidate ‘adjuvant’, an ingredient added to vaccines to makethem work better. The finding, published in the journal Proceedings of theNational Academy of Sciences (PNAS), gives researchers the first clear,close-up view of EP67 gripping its target, and hands them a blueprint fordesigning safer vaccines and new immune-based treatments.When one catch a bacterial or viral infection, our immune cells release asmall protein called C5a, which primes the immune system to fight back. Buttoo much of C5a for too long leads to inflammation that is harmful and candamage healthy tissue. To prevent this, the body uses enzymes in the bloodto break C5a down quickly once the threat has passed.The researchers at IIT Kanpur took a cue from this natural safety mechanismand built a stripped-down copy of C5a, a short chain of just ten aminoacids named EP67, that keeps the useful part of C5a’s activity but works ina gentler way.This is exactly what is needed in a vaccine booster – astronger, longer-lasting immune response without the collateral damage.Earlier animal studies support this – when EP67 was added to vaccinesagainst several viruses in mice, including the virus that causes COVID-19,the animals mounted a stronger immune response than with the vaccine aloneand also tended to recover faster. EP67 has also shown a surprising abilityto fight bacterial infections..The study led by the laboratory of Professor Arun K. Shukla in theDepartment of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering at IIT Kanpur waspublished in PNAS in July 2026. The research was supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR), the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), the Departmentof Biotechnology (DBT), and the Department of Science and Technology (DST).The high-resolution structure was determined at the National cryo-EMFacility at IIT Kanpur, set up with funding from ANRF.
