Antagonists
Antagonists of TLRs are compounds that block, or “turn off,” immune system activation through TLRs. Recently, articles published in scientific journals have suggested a role of TLR7 and TLR9 in recognition of the immune complexes that characterize autoimmune diseases. Under these conditions, use of antagonists to TLR7 or TLR9 may mitigate the pathogenesis of the disease by reducing recognition of the immune complex.
Idera has identified novel DNA-based compounds that have been shown to act as antagonists of TLR7 and TLR9. In preclinical models, these antagonist compounds have been shown to block immune responses mediated through TLRs 7 and 9. The Company believes that such antagonists may have potential application in autoimmune diseases. Idera researchers have made scientific presentations on preclinical evaluations of this class of compounds in mouse models of lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and psoriasis.
Idera is conducting further preclinical studies to explore the potential of these novel DNA-based compounds for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
It has been suggested that certain autoimmune diseases contain immune complexes which induce immune responses through TLRs. TLRs are shown to recognize DNA and RNA containing immune complexes. Idera is studying the effect of antagonist candidates in blocking immune response induction through TLRs, as shown above. Blocking TLRs through the use of antagonists may be a useful therapeutic approach in certain autoimmune diseases.
