Covalently closed non-coding immunomodulatory DNA construct

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a novel dumbbell-shaped, covalently closed DNA construct designed for immunomodulation. The construct contains unmethylated CG motifs within its single-stranded loops, which are known to activate the immune system, particularly through the TLR9 pathway. This DNA structure offers improved stability, strong immune activation, and avoids the toxicity problems associated with previous phosphorothioate-modified DNA constructs. It is useful as an immune system modulator, vaccine adjuvant, or as a therapeutic component for cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• As an adjuvant in vaccines to enhance immune responses against infectious diseases or tumors.
• Direct treatment of cancers by stimulating anti-tumor immune responses, including in combination with chemotherapy, radiation, or other cancer therapies.
• Treatment or prevention of autoimmune diseases by modulating immune pathways.
• Therapies for allergic diseases and asthma by shifting immune responses from Th2 to Th1 dominance.
• Delivery and targeting of drugs or molecules to specific immune cells through chemical modifications and conjugation to other compounds.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides a stable, efficient DNA-based immunomodulator that avoids the degradation and toxicity issues of earlier single-stranded or phosphorothioate DNA constructs.
• Induces a strong, tailored activation of key immune cells (e.g., NK cells, T cells, B cells, monocytes), particularly boosting anti-cancer immunity.
• Improved safety profile due to use of natural DNA backbone, minimizing side effects seen with chemical modifications.
• Versatility in application: Can be used in vaccines, as standalone therapeutics, or in combination with other treatments.
• Allows for targeted delivery or functionalization by chemical modification of nucleotides, enabling conjugation to peptides, proteins, nanoparticles, or other agents.
• Demonstrated enhanced cytokine stimulation critical for anti-viral and anti-tumor effects (IFN-alpha, IP-10, IFN-gamma).

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

A DNA construct for immunomodulation consisting of a partially single-stranded, dumbbell-shaped, covalently closed chain of DNA residues comprising twice the partially hybridized DNA sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. The single stranded portion forms a loop which may comprise three CG motifs. The construct may be used as an adjuvant or for the treatment of cancer or autoimmune diseases.