Cyclic di-nucleotide induction of type I interferon

Patent Status

Brief Description

Interferons have potential in the treatment of a large number of human cancers since these molecules can directly inhibit the proliferation of human tumor cells. The anti-proliferative activity is also synergistic with a variety of approved chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin, 5FU and paclitaxel. Secondly, the immunomodulatory activity of interferon proteins can lead to the induction of an anti-tumor immune response. In addition, interferons play a role in cross-presentation of antigens in the immune system. 

UC Berkeley researchers have created methods and compositions that can be used for increasing the production of a type I interferon (IFN) in a cell by increasing the level of a 2′-5′ phosphodiester linkage comprising cyclic-di-nucleotide in a cell in a manner sufficient to increase production of the type I interferon (IFN) by the cell. 

Suggested uses

• cancer therapeutic