Sting Crystals and Modulators

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

This patent discloses the crystal structures of the immune protein STING and describes the development of STING modulators—small molecules or analogs (such as those based on c[G(2',5')pA(3',5')p], DMXAA, or CMA)—that can specifically interact with human STING at defined molecular sites. The invention provides both these modulators and a method for rational structure-based design of new STING-targeting drugs using the detailed structural information from STING crystals. It also covers computer-based tools and systems for designing, assessing, and modeling the interaction between STING and potential modulators.

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

• Designing and developing small-molecule agonists or antagonists that activate or inhibit the STING pathway for therapeutic purposes.
• Creating drugs to enhance immune responses against infections or cancer (as immuno-oncology agents or vaccine adjuvants).
• Developing treatments for diseases involving abnormal STING activation, such as autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, inflammatory diseases).
• Structure-based drug screening and computational modeling of STING-modulator interactions for pharmaceutical discovery.
• Personalizing therapy by developing STING modulators selective for human versus mouse STING, aiding in translation from animal models to human treatments.
• Use in high-throughput screening systems to identify novel STING-targeting compounds.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides the first detailed human STING crystal structures, enabling targeted and rational drug design rather than random screening.
• Enables design of selective modulators that can distinguish between species (human vs. mouse), addressing translational barriers in drug development.
• Allows for the precise design of drugs with higher specificity and efficacy by exploiting identified binding residues and structural conformations.
• Facilitates the rapid identification and optimization of new drug candidates via computational systems using real atomic models.
• Supports the development of both STING agonists (for immunotherapy, vaccine adjuvants) and antagonists (for treatment of autoimmunity).
• Provides tools and computational approaches (software, databases, storage systems) for pharmaceutical research and structure-aided design.
• Can lead to therapies with fewer side effects by enabling high specificity and reduced off-target activity.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention provides STING crystals. The present invention also provides STING modulators that interact with sites present in and/or defined by such crystals. The present invention also provides methods of making and using such crystals and modulators. Other aspects and/or features of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, reading the present specification.