STp Peptide

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Overview Current treatments for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) include aminosalicylates, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants but many patients fail to respond. By capitalising on the cross-talk between regulators of the immune system and commensal bacteria, Imperial College team has developed a novel therapy for IBD, consisting of STp protease resistant peptide. STp is secreted from L. plantarum and is detectable in healthy intestine; i.e. a natural product. It appears to modulate a regulatory cytokine profile in dendritic cells (DC), to dampen down immune responses to gut organisms in IBD. Key features: STp effects epithelial cells to promote mucosal barrier function. It increases IL10 and decreases IL12 production. STp restores TLR expression on UC derived DCs to ‘normal’ level (i.e. reduced TLR2 and TLR4). It restores maturation potential (CD40, CD80) and stimulatory capacity (proliferating T cells) of UC derived DCs. Protease resistant and, unlike biologics, suitable for oral administration. There is potential for development of a companion diagnostic due to absence of STp in patients with UC vs healthy individuals. Development stage Preliminary in vivo data in a murine model of ulcerative colitis shows reduced gut inflammation adverse signs of the disease. The team continues to validate the clinical diagnostic potential of STp, evaluate the efficacy and PK/PD of STp in animal models vs conventional anti-TNFα. They are currently addressing questions around recombinant expression/ production of STp, and build data on mechanism of action.   Intellectual property This composition or matter and method of use is protected by a patent in EU, USA, Canada, Australia, China, Japan and Israel.