Fig 1a : CD1d structure, Face view
Fig 1b : CD1d structure, top view
Technological platforms.
Wittycell and its scientific founders, conducted screening and other tests to identify potent CD1d ligands that activate iNKT cells and thus stimulate and polarize immune responses towards the generation of cytotoxic CD8+ T-cells (CTLs). Results have shown that our adjuvants are capable of inducing strong antigen-specific cytotoxic T-cell responses in classical pre-clinical models against benchmark adjuvants, e.g. CpG, thus providing antigen-specific protection against viruses or tumor challenge in various models.
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Optimization through in silico research and chemical platforms
In silico research helps to produce and screen drug candidates more effectively. WTC compounds are modulated through the chemical platform based on the characterized structure for differential solubility that could translate into different pharmacological properties with significant immunological consequences in vivo.
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Optimization through Formulation platforms
Wittycell is able to formulate WTC adjuvant candidates in various forms to enhance appropriate specific immune response, depending on antigen candidates.
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Optimization through close collaboration with Academic inventors' laboratories
Wittycell has built up a strong expertise in iNKT field science in association with inventors' laboratories and related institutes, such as the Scripps Research Institute, the University of Chicago and the Brigham Young University.
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Without WTC adjuvant: no iNKT activation |
With WTC adjuvant : iNKT activation |
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Human NKT cells interacting with dendritic cells with (right) or without (left) addition of the WTC adjuvant. The NKT cells are loaded with a red calcium dye and turn green when they flux calcium. Time scale is shown in minutes. Illustration from Bendelac laboratory, University of Chicago (October 2009) |
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