TLR2-mediated adjuvant activities of LT-II B subunits

The present invention deals with heat-labile enterotoxins (LT-IIs) in which the toxic A-subunits are absent, leaving only the nontoxic B pentamers. Researchers found that despite the absence of toxic A-subunits, the B-subunits alone are immunostimula tory and that their ability to activate NF-?B and induce proinflammatory cytokine release is dependent upon Toll-like Receptor 2 (TLR2) activity.

TLR2-dependent activation of mononuclear cells by LT-II B-subunits appears to be a novel mechanism whereby these molecules may exert their immunomodulatory and adjuvant activities. The ability of the nontoxic B-subunit to induce an immune response in the absence of the toxic A-subunit should eliminate concerns related to toxicity and pathological side effects.

Categories: Therapeutic and Vaccines

Type of Offer: Licensing



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