Immunostimulatory Combinations of TLR Ligands and Methods of Use
Description of Invention:
New drugs or therapies that act by stimulating the immune system, or alternatively inhibiting certain aspects of the immune system, may be useful for treating various diseases or disorders, for example viral diseases, neoplasias, and/ or allergies, and may also have use as vaccine adjuvants. However, although adjuvants have been suggested for use in vaccine compositions, there is an unmet need for adjuvants that can effectively enhance immune response.
Development of innate and adaptive immunity critically depends on the engagement of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which specifically detect microbial components named pathogen- or microbe-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs or MAMPs) (1-4). Toll-like receptors (TLRs) represent an important group of PRRs that can sense PAMPs or MAMPs once in the body. TLRs are widely expressed by many types of cells, for example cells in the blood, spleen, lung, muscle and intestines.
The present invention claims immunostimulatory combinations of TLR ligands and therapeutic and/or prophylactic methods that include administering an immunostimulatory combination to a subject. In general, the immunostimulatory combinations can provide an increased immune response compared to other immunostimulatory combinations and/or compositions. More specifically, combinations of TLR 2, 3 and 9 are claimed. The application also describes a novel mechanism for TLR synergy in terms of both signaling pathways and cytokine combinations.
Application:
Development of improved adjuvants and/or synergistic combinations of adjuvants for vaccines.
Developmental Status:
Compositions have been synthesized and preclinical studies have been performed.
Licensing Status: Available for exclusive or nonexclusive licensing.
Collaborative Research Opportunity:
The National Cancer Institute's Vaccine Branch is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize this invention of synergistic combinations of TLR ligands. Please contact John D. Hewes, Ph.D. at 301-435-3121 or hewesj@mail.nih.gov for more information.
For Additional Information Please Contact: Peter A. Soukas J.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301) 435-4646
Email: soukasp@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
