Science & Technology

Two research areas. A shared molecular design approach

Our science connects innate immune signaling and regenerative peptide biology through computational molecular design and experimental validation.

Research area 01

Innate Immune Signaling Modulation

We investigate both inhibition and activation, with the direction of modulation determined by each program's biological objective.

01Inhibition

TargetEndosomal TLRs

ProgramsETI41 / ETI60

02Inhibition

TargetMyD88 signaling

ProgramMyDIP2-4

03Inhibition

TargetNLRP3

ProgramNIM5 series

ETI41 and ETI60 are investigated primarily against endosomal TLR3, TLR7 and TLR9 signaling, with relatively weaker activity against TLR8. ETA53 focuses on TLR9 inhibition following myocardial infarction.

ATA2 takes a different approach: this DNA aptamer activates TLR9 signaling and is studied in cellular systems for potential immune-modulating applications.

Research area 02

Regenerative Peptide Therapeutics

Selected receptor-directed signals may influence cell migration, proliferation, angiogenesis and tissue repair.

FGFR

FAP1

FGF-mimetic peptide investigated in wound repair.

VEGFR2

VMP3

VEGF-mimetic peptide investigated in angiogenesis and wound models.

CXCR4

SDP-4

SDF-1α-mimetic peptide investigated in endogenous cell recruitment.

NK1R

SP1

Substance P analog investigated in cell migration and recruitment.

Central mechanism

Recruiting the body's own repair resources

Endogenous stem cell recruitment is a central mechanism under investigation in the SDP-4 and SP1 programs.

01Endogenous cellsResident or circulating

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02Recruitment signalsSDP-4 · SP1

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03Site of repairMechanism under study

Studies tracking externally administered cells address a different question. We distinguish exogenous cell migration from evidence that endogenous cells have been recruited.

Our approach

Design · Evaluate · Refine

Computational analysis of target-ligand interactions guides candidate design. Experimental assessment then characterizes biological activity and informs further refinement.

Read selected publications