Regulation of Toll-like Receptors by Complex Saccharides

Reference #:

2001-091

Inventors/Contributors

Jeffrey L. Platt M.D., Gregory J. Brunn Ph.D., Yuzo Kodaira M.D., Ph.D., Geoffrey B. Johnson M.D., Ph.D.

Description

We have discovered that complex saccharides, specifically heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans, signal cells through toll-like receptors. Since toll-like receptors are thought to detect toxic compounds such as endotoxin, the finding that an endogenous saccharide can signal cells through those receptros provides a potentially non-toxic means by which cells can be stimulated. Signaling of toll-like receptors by heparan sulfate might be used to stimulate immunity, prevent cellular injury by infectiuos microorganisms or potentially suppress immune responses.

Patent Status

Pending