Recent findings have highlighted the important role played by the disregulated activation of the innate immune system in the onset and progression of several neurological and autoinflammatory diseases.
Small organic molecules able to modulate the activation of the immune system have, therefore, a great potential in the identification of a therapeutic approach for a multiplicity of neurodegenerative and autoinflammatory pathologies. The inhibition of the caspase-1 enzyme may allow to modulate the release of proinflammatory cytokines deriving from the activation of the inflammasome, blocking the inflammatory process. To date, there are no caspase-1 inhibitors that can be used in the clinic. In fact, although numerous caspase-1 inhibitors have been synthesized, no inhibitor has passed the clinical trial, probably because of the covalent mechanism of action and the consequent unwanted off-target interactions.
The Italian research group, in collaboration with a foreign University, is interested in finding possible partners with whom to further develop the technology through technical or research cooperation agreements or joint developments.
Advantages & innovations
The research result and patent related, claims a new class of molecules able to inhibit caspase-1 to modulate innate immune system and in inflammatory processes. The new molecules discovered present innovative characteristics, with respect to the molecules currently known, because of their non-covalent mechanism of action.
Stage of development
Under development/lab tested
Partner sought
Italian research group is interested in pharmaceutical companies or other research organisations for further developing the product, through research and development or technical collaboration agreements.