On September 08, 2021 Selecta Biosciences, Inc., a biotechnology company leveraging its clinically validated ImmTOR platform to develop tolerogenic therapies that selectively mitigate unwanted immune responses, and Cyrus Biotechnology, Inc. a leading protein design company, reported a protein engineering collaboration combining Selecta’s ImmTOR platform with Cyrus’ ability to radically redesign protein therapeutics (Press release, Selecta Biosciences, SEP 8, 2021, View Source [SID1234587493]). The lead program in the collaboration is a proprietary interleukin-2 (IL-2) protein agonist designed to selectively promote expansion of regulatory T cells (Treg) for the treatment of patients with autoimmune diseases and other deleterious immune conditions.
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Novel IL-2 approaches and technologies are driving innovation in the therapeutic development space. The IL-2 pathway influences critical aspects of both immune stimulation and immune regulation, through the development and expansion of regulatory T cells (Treg). These Treg cells are a specialized subpopulation of T cells involved in suppressing certain immune responses and maintaining the body’s self-tolerance. Reductions in the number of Treg cells have been shown to drive a spectrum of autoimmune diseases and conversely, increasing Treg expansion may have clinical utility in reducing inflammation and improving disease outcomes. Early preclinical data investigating the effects of ImmTOR in combination with a Treg-selective IL-2 mutant protein (IL-2 "mutein") demonstrate substantial synergistic activity in increasing the percentage and durability of Treg expansion in the spleen (Figure below). This supports the potential of ImmTOR in combination with IL-2 proteins to restore immunotolerance to autoantigens and forms the basis for this partnership. Although IL-2 has been an attractive target for autoimmune indications, overcoming its immunostimulatory activities, short half-life and anti-IL-2 antibody formation has been challenging. Building on recent advancements in the field, our strong preliminary data suggest that ImmTOR in combination with Cyrus’ novel IL-2 protein agonist has the potential to unlock the value of this target and drive the development of a next generation, best-in-class asset.
A figure accompanying this announcement is available at View Source
"We are excited to collaborate with Cyrus, and we see this strategic protein engineering partnership as an important step in advancing our ImmTOR platform for the treatment of autoimmune diseases," said Carsten Brunn, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Selecta. "We are encouraged by the preclinical data generated to date and the growing literature that supports the potential of IL-2 therapeutics in treating immunological diseases."
Dr. Brunn added, "We look forward to leveraging Cyrus’ ability to both reengineer immune epitopes and rationally design novel proteins using non-traditional starting sequences, including non-human, non-natural and ancestral versions. For our first program, this combination will allow us to potentially mitigate unwanted immune responses by reducing the inherent immunogenicity of the protein while also promoting immune tolerance. We are fortunate to have this opportunity to optimize and advance our portfolio through the design and generation of innovative protein therapeutics. Beyond leading a paradigm shift in the way biologics are made, ultimately this collaboration has the potential to unlock new treatment options and improve the lives of patients who suffer from serious and debilitating diseases."
Lucas Nivon, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Cyrus, commented, "We welcome Selecta as a deeply experienced partner. This collaboration is in perfect alignment with our protein design expertise and represents an important endorsement of our platform, which has the potential to further enhance the potency of ImmTOR’s tolerizing power. With our current partners, we have demonstrated our ability to redesign existing protein biologics or build them from the ground-up — expanding the potential for therapeutics and intellectual property. We look forward to executing on our shared vision."
Under the terms of the collaboration, Selecta has provided an upfront payment, and Cyrus is eligible to earn discovery, development and sales based milestones. Novel engineered protein therapeutic candidates from the partnership will be used to expand Selecta’s proprietary pipeline and further bolster Selecta’s clinically validated ImmTOR platform.