What is ISCOM all about?

From the outset, ISCOM was designed as a generalist school to prepare students for a career in Communications, while developing their sense of commitment, critical thinking and creativity, qualities that are essential in managing a company .

What is an ISCOM Matrix?

ISCOMs are spherical, hollow, cage-like self-assembled particles (40–60 nm) consisting of saponin Quil A adjuvant, antigen, phospholipids, and cholesterol . The particle without antigen is known as an ISCOM matrix. Quil A possesses an affinity for cholesterol which induces stability in the ISCOM matrix .

What are the key components of ISCOMS?

The key components of ISCOMs are the Quillaja saponins, which are derived from the bark of the Chilean soap-bark tree Quillaja saponaria Molina. Quillaja saponins are well known for their ability to activate the immune system. It is also known that saponins in general can have toxic side-effects, including the induction of haemolysis.

What are the advantages of ISCOM-Matrix technology?

ISCOM-Matrix technology offers several immunological and practical advantages over currently available adjuvants. Most adjuvants on the market today mainly activate the humoral immune response (i.e. give an antibody response). There is, however, a clear need for adjuvants able to induce a cell-mediated immune response as well.