Cell Penetrating Peptides

About

Summary: Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) is a transcription factor that regulates key intracellular signaling pathways that result in proinflammatory cytokine expression. Emerging preclinical and clinical studies have indicated that IRF5 could be a drug target for inflammation and autoimmune diseases, especially systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Dr. Betsy Barnes has developed a way to block the autoimmune inducing signals initiated by IRF5.  It was known that IRF5 is only truly “activated” and functional once it translocates from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Professor Barnes has designed cell-permeable synthetic peptides that prevent the movement of IRF5 into the cell’s nucleus—a necessary step to produce the cascade of molecular events that leads to inflammation and/or autoimmunity. These peptides are highly specific for IRF5 as they do not inhibit the transcription factors NF-?B and IRF7. This could help prevent unwanted cross reactivity leading to off-target effects on other transcription factors and proteins.   Market Application: •  Development of a biologic therapy for the treatment of SLE. •  Development of a biologic therapy for the treatment of inflammation associated with upregulation and hyperactivity of IRF5. •  Development of a therapy for the treatment of other disorders associated with upregulation and hyperactivity of IRF5.   Advantages: •  Peptide synthesis is simple and cost effective •  Combined with genetic screening, these peptides could provide an early intervention, possibly preventative for SLE and related autoimmune disorders. •  Primary or adjunct therapy for treating acute of chronic inflammation.   Intellectual Property & Development Status: Patent pending. This technology is available for licensing and/or research collaboration.