Tumor targeting TLR7/8 Agonist
The rising star for cancer

Activation of TLR7/8 receptor by TLR7/8 agonist triggers induction of a Th1 type innate immune response in the highly sophisticated process of innate immunity, and strengthens the neoantigen presentation by DC cells to activate T cell mediated antitumor immunity.

Vaccine Biopharm Technologies

TLR receptor

TLRs are a family of transmembrane receptors expressed by various immune (e.g. macrophages, dendritic cells, lymphocytes) and non-immune (e.g. epithelial cells, fibroblasts) cells. TLRs recognize conserved exogenous and endogenous danger signals known as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), respectively. PAMPs include the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and viral and bacterial nucleic acids, while DAMPs are released by dead or dying host cells during programmed cell death processes. Of the 10 TLRs expressed in humans, six are found on cell surfaces (TLR1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 10), and four are localized to endosomes (TLR3, 7, 8, and 9). The former recognizes proteins and lipids, whereas the latter engages nucleic acids.

The binding of PAMPs or DAMPs to TLRs triggers the maturation and activation of antigen-presenting cells. Once mature, macrophages and dendritic cells (1) secrete cytokines that stimulate pro-inflammatory responses and (2) present antigen to naive T lymphocytes, prompting their differentiation into effector T cells. Through their critical roles in both innate and adaptive immunity, TLRs defend against invading pathogens and function in immune surveillance.

Among various TLR types, TLR7/8 are known for the activation by small molecule agonist, which makes the drug development easier. Vaccine Biopharm is working on the next generation of TLR7/8 agonist with higher specificity or selectivity against tumor.

Metastatic recurrence: cause of death

With a total of 18,989,634 new cases and 10,052,507 associated deaths estimated to occur in 2020, cancer remains a major health problem worldwide.

Metastasis is the dissemination of tumour cells from the primary neoplasm to secondary sites in a multistep process that is often depicted as a simple series of sequential events: escape from the primary tumour and local invasion, intravasation and survival in the circulation and extravasation and metastatic seeding. Metastasis can occur de novo, in which metastases are present at the original diagnosis, the cancer having already spread prior to detection. However, it is most often the result of relapse (recurrence), where metastases manifest after definitive treatment. Metastasis is responsible for >90% of tumour-related deaths, often due to the impairment of vital organ function.

Vaccine Biopharm focuses on the development of next generation of TLR7/8 agonist, the utimate goal is to develop drugs for cancer immunotherapy, suppressing the local tumor lesion as well as the distant or metastatic tumor cells for a cure without metastatic recurrence.

Drug Development Pipeline by Vaccine Biopharm

Immunotherapy, the ultimate treatment solution

Surgery

Many types of cancer are treated with surgery. Surgery works best for solid tumors that are contained in one area. It is a local treatment, meaning that it treats only the part of your body with the cancer, and best for tumors in the early stage for before metastasis.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is a cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. At low doses, radiation is used in x-rays to see inside your body, as with x-rays of your teeth or broken bones. However, radiation not only kills or slows the growth of cancer cells, it can also affect nearby healthy cells, causing side effects.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy utilizes drug to suppress the tumor cells, w by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells, which grow and divide quickly. However, hemotherapy not only kills fast-growing cancer cells, but also kills or slows the growth of healthy cells that grow and divide quickly. Damage to healthy cells may cause side effects, such as mouth sores, nausea, and hair loss.

Immunotherapy

As part of its normal function, the immune system detects and destroys abnormal cells and most likely prevents or curbs the growth of many cancers. Immunotherapy utilizes methods to repair or boost the anti-tumor immunity for a cure including the local suppressive effects as well as the potency to prevent metastatic recurrence.

Tumor targeting TLR7/8 Agonist The rising star for cancer