Available Technologies

Background

Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is a glycoprotein composed of 143 amino acid residues and serves as a cytokine bridging innate and adaptive immune responses. It possesses antiviral properties and the ability to induce HLA expression and is already in clinical use for cancer treatment, among other indications. Recent studies have revealed that IFN-γ, in synergy with TNF-α, can strongly promote cell death. However, the high manufacturing cost of IFN-γ results in expensive therapies, and its pronounced species-specificity necessitates the development of individual IFN-γ products tailored to each animal species.

Description and Advantages

Kyoto University researchers have identified a virus-derived peptide composed of 20 amino acids that exerts effects like IFN-γ. This peptide can be easily synthesized chemically and induces robust, species-independent cell death synergistically with TNF-α in both humanand murine-derived cells (Fig.1). In addition, the peptide demonstrates its effects at lower concentrations compared to IFN-γ (Fig.2). Moreover, intranasal administration of this peptide to mice effectively prevented viral infection (Fig.3).

⮚ Facile Chemical Synthesis
Easily synthesizable peptide contributes to cost reduction both in development and manufacturing.
⮚ Species-Independent Effect
The peptide shows efficacy without species specificity thus is applicable for various applications.
⮚ Superior Efficacy Compared to IFN-γ
The peptide is high effective even at low concentrations.