NU 2005-008

Inventors

Laurence Howard

John Irwin

Stephen Miller*

Brian Shoichet

Abstract

Regulating immune cell response is critical in combating disease. Northwestern researchers have developed a new therapy that can either inhibit immune cell function in autoimmune disease or enhance natural or vaccine-facilitated immune responses. A small molecule was identified that can modulate the immune response by stabilizing an active but transient CD154 trimer, which is central to a type 1 helper T-cell immune response and immune effector function. The compound performed successfully in a mouse model, demonstrating its ability to enhance an immune response in a living animal. Results in a mouse cancer model show promise with regard to both tumor reduction and decreased metastasis. The small molecule may prove useful in the treatment of a wide variety of medical conditions.

Applications

• Vaccine therapy: protect against infectious or toxic agents
• Therapeutics: autoimmune disease, cancer, infectious disease, immunotherapy

Advantages

• Demonstrated success in a mammalian system
• Applicable to multiple diseases

IP Status

Issued US Patent 7,601,355