Prof. Gabriel Nussbaum, Prof. Chaim Gilon, Prof. Amnon Hoffman

Application

  • MyD88 (Myeloid differentiation primary response 88) is a key adapter protein involved in innate immune responses. It plays a crucial role in mediating the signaling pathways of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and interleukin-1 receptors (IL-1Rs), essential immune system components. Activation of these receptors triggers inflammation.
  • MyD88 also plays a complex role in cancer, and its function can vary depending on the type of cancer and the tumor microenvironment. MyD88 signaling can promote tumor growth and progression in certain cancers by stimulating pro-inflammatory and pro-survival pathways. In types of lymphoma, MyD88 itself is mutated in a way that the protein is always in the “on” state, and the signaling drives the cancer.

Our Innovation

We develop new methods and compositions for treating diseases related to signaling through the intracellular adapter protein Myeloid differentiation primary response (MyD) 88. Our innovation is a novel cyclic peptide competitive inhibitor of MyD88 oligomerization that reduces MyD88-dependent signaling.

Advantages

  • The present invention is a new analog of the Myr-Myd c(4-4), which is granted in a US patent US 201901855116A1.
  • The new compound inhibits signaling in cells in the nanomolar range and is very potent.
  • The new compound is fully soluble in aqueous solutions at high concentrations – a property that is sometimes hard to achieve with cyclic peptides.

Opportunity

There is a strong biological rationale to target MyD88 in multiple medical indications including autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases, organ transplantation, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer.

Thus, we are seeking collaboration with pharmaceutical companies in these areas.