Methods of Modulating Immune System Responses
AssigneeThe Governing Council of the University of Toronto
InventorsScott Gray-Owen, Ryan Gaudet, Rebecca Malott
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Novel methods and uses for modulating immune responses are provided. The methods and uses involve the use of a TIFA activator such heptose-1,7-5 bisphosphate or an analogue or derivative thereof. The methods may be used to activate, inhibit or otherwise modify an immune response so as to either prevent or treat infectious or inflammatory diseases or cancer. Also provided are methods to identify compounds capable of modulating immune responses.
Claims21
1-34. (canceled)
A method of modulating an immune response in a subject comprising administering an effective amount of a TIFA activator to a subject in need thereof.
A pharmaceutical composition for modulating an immune response comprising an effective amount of a TIFA activator and optionally a carrier.
A method for stimulating a molecular receptor of heptose-1,7-bisphosphate capable of molecular signaling upon interaction with heptose-1,7-bisphosphate, by contacting the heptose-1,7-bisphosphate with the molecular receptor under conditions that permit signaling of the molecular receptor, preferably wherein the signaling involves the specific activation of TRAF-interacting forkhead associated protein A (“TIFA”).
A screening method for identifying a compound capable of effecting a TIFA signaling response comprising:
- (a)providing a test compound, preferably a polynucleotide;
- (b) comparing in a functional assay the effect of the test compound and a control on the native function of TIFA signaling;
- and
- (c) identifying a test compound exhibiting an effect on the native signaling response of TIFA.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.