Novel phospholipid-based TLR inhibitors

Tech ID: 2007-07

Summary

Inflammation has been shown to play a large role in diseases of the lung, often leading to tissue destruction and airway remodeling.   Scientists at National Jewish Health have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties of unsaturated phosphatidylglycerols (PGs).  PGs are normal constituents of pulmonary surfactant, though normally in low concentrations, and may play a role in ensuring that the lung is not chronically inflamed at the interface with its external environment.  Increasing their concentration in an injured or diseased lung should interfere with the TLR activation pathway and thereby reduce inflammation and infection in a number of respiratory diseases.

Potential Applications

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Sepsis-induced ARDS, asthma, reducing the effects of inflammation during mechanical ventilation, chronic bronchitis, COPD, cystic fibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Advantages of Invention

PGs occur naturally in surfactant and surfactant preparations have a proven track record of safety.

State of Development 

  • PGs have been shown to modulate lung inflammation in mice
  • PGs prevent the cytopathic effects of RSV in vitro
  • PGs inhibit inflammatory mediator production (e.g. TNF-alpha, NO, IL-8, IL-6) in vitro
  • PGs antagonize the effects of LPS on primary human alveolar macrophages
  • Discovered an improved method of surfactant production that will have the added benefit of preventing inflammation and infection

Publication 

In preparation

Patent Status  

US and International patent applications pending

Inventors

Dennis R. Voelker, Ph.D.

Licensing Status- Available for licensing.  

For Further Information, Contact:
Emmanuel Hilaire, PhD
Licensing Associate
Intellectual Property and Technology Commercialization Program
National Jewish Health
1400 Jackson Street, Room M206b
Denver, CO 80206
Voice: (303) 398-1262
Fax: (303) 270-2352
hilairee@njc.org

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