Modification of IL-1 enhances biological activity and creates a potent vaccine adjuvant

BACKGROUND

The administration of cytokines and their derivatives can dramatically modulate immune responses.  However, while some cytokines have been shown to modulate immune responses, others are limited by poor biological activity either as a result of poor half-life or limited capacity to signal target cells.  As a result, only a limited number of cytokines are currently useful therapeutically.  The development of methods that improve half-life or capacity to signal in vivo offers the possibility of making a wider range of cytokines useful therapeutically.

TECHNOLOGY

Scientists at the University of San Diego (UCSD) have discovered a novel method for enhancing the biological activity of IL-1.  The improved IL-1 exhibits greater biological activity and may allow the development of new therapies based on IL-1 signaling.  As one application of this research, it was found that the improved version of IL-1 could function as a potent vaccine adjuvant in mice. 

COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL

Utilization of an enhanced form of IL-1 could allow the development of new therapies including:

• the use of IL-1 to augment vaccine or other immunotherapeutic strategies

• enhancing the applicability of IL-1 in anti-tumor therapy

• the development of new IL-1 dependent therapies

PATENT APPLICATION
US Patent application filed

Case numbers: 2007-324
Inquiries to:     invent@ucsd.edu