Compositions And Methods For Altering Immune Function

Targeted Enhancement of CD154 Trimer Stability for Modulation of Immune Function 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 o Vaccine therapy: protect against infectious or toxic agents o Therapeutics: autoimmune disease, cancer, infectious disease, immunotherapy Advantages o Demonstrated success in a mammalian system o Applicable to multiple diseases IP Status Issued US Patent 7,601,355 Marketing Contact Michael Moore, PhD Invention Manager (p) (847) 491-4645 (e) michaelmoore@northwestern.edu