TransCode Therapeutics, Inc. reported publication of United States Patent Application titled, ?Nanoparticles and Template Directed RIG-I Agonist Precursor Compositions and Uses Thereof For Cancer Therapy? (Pub. No.: US 2024/0042070 A1; Pub.

Date: February 8, 2024). The application describes compositions and methods to treat cancer using a novel class of immunotherapy inspired by the innate immunity of mammalian cells against microbes. This novel type of immunotherapy targets molecules called retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs).

RLRs are key RNA sensors that can be activated for the treatment of cancer using synthetic RNAs that mimic viral infection, directing the immune response against cancer. There is no assurance that any patent will issue from this application. capped biphosphate or triphosphate oligonucleotides having a sequence complementary to an endogenous microRNA.

The precursor may be carried by a nanoparticle such as TransCode?s TTX delivery technology and may include a radiolabel for imaging or therapy. It is designed to activate the immune system against tumor cells with high specificity potentially resulting in effective treatment of multiple primary, metastatic, and recurrent cancers. What is novel about TransCode?s approach is the capacity to recruit pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), such as RIG-I, in a tumor-selective manner which TransCode believes is critical for clinical applications.