BACKGROUND
Cancer immune surveillance depends on dynamic stepwise interactions between immunogenic tumors and cells of the innate and adaptive immune system. Researchers at the University of Calgary investigated the microbiome-mediated modulation of the host tumor immune surveillance using mouse models, and discovered a class of microbiome-derived metabolites that modulate gene expression of the immune cells within tumor microenvironment, ultimately increase tumor-specific CD8+ T cells within tumor microenvironment and enhance tumor immune surveillance in mice and synergizes with immune checkpoint blockade therapy.
AREAS OF APPLICATION
Cancer Immune therapy
- Potential compounds for improved checkpoint blockade therapy efficacy
- Potential to serve as molecular marker for cancer immune therapy
- Potential as new nutraceutical
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
- Natrual product – safety level is high
- The metabolites synergistically with clinically approved immune checkpoint blockades to improve overall survival rates (from 0 survival after 20 days to over 25% survival after 60 days).
- The metabolites work independent of the host microbiome composition when used as systemic treatment.
- Potential target and immune functional pathway identified, mouse model and cell lines established
STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT
In vitro and in vivo preclinical data.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS
PCT application filed.