Immune Modulation – Tregitope
We have identified a set of natural T regulatory epitopes (Tregitopes) derived from IgG that induce tolerance to immunogenic proteins. We have confirmed that co-administration of tregitopes with a range of proteins (such as Ovalbumin, allergens, Class I epitopes and Class II epitopes) in vitro and in vivo leads to the suppression of T cell and antibody responses to the test antigens.
- Tregitope applications to Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes (T1D) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease, resulting from destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cells. Preliminary studies demonstrate that “Tregitopes” specifically induce natural Tregs and, when co-administered with an antigen, lead to expansion of antigen-specific regulatory T cells. Modulation of auto-immune responses to autologous epitopes by induction of antigen-specific tolerance may prevent ongoing beta-cell destruction, thus restoring the production of insulin. - Tregitope applications to Allergy
More than half of all U.S. citizens test positive to one or more allergens, and allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic disease. T helper type 2 (Th2) effector cells represent the dominant T cell subset activated by allergens and contribute to the production of allergen-specific IgE antibodies involved in allergic hypersensitivity. Restoration of the natural, tolerant state to common environmental allergens from a Th2-skewed allergic response is the ultimate goal in allergen-specific immunotherapy. We are exploring the use of Tregitopes to modulate responses to allergens through adaptive tolerance induction as a form of treatment.
