Membrane targeting enhances muramyl dipeptide binding to NOD2 and Arf6-GTPase in mammalian cells

Small molecule modulators of immune pattern recognition receptors

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) represent a re-emerging class of therapeutic targets for vaccine adjuvants, inflammatory diseases and cancer. In this review article, we summarize exciting developments in discovery and characterization of small molecule PRR modulators, focusing on Toll-like receptors (TLRs), NOD-like receptors (NLRs) and the cGAS-STING pathway. We also highlight PRRs that are currently lacking small molecule modulators and opportunities for chemical biology and therapeutic discovery.

Lipidation of NOD2 Agonists with Adamantane and Stearoyl Moieties Differentially Regulates Their In Vivo Adjuvant Activity

NOD2 is an innate immune receptor that constitutes an important target for the development of small molecule immunopotentiators with great potential to be used as vaccine adjuvants. We report here the results of an in vivo study of the adjuvant properties of a desmuramylpeptide NOD2 agonist SG29 and its lipidated analogs featuring an adamantyl moiety or a stearoyl group. These compounds have been synthesized, incorporated into liposomes, and evaluated for their in vivo adjuvant activity. The characterization of liposome formulations of examined compounds revealed that their size increased in comparison to that of empty liposomes. The introduction of a stearoyl or an adamantane lipophilic anchor into the structure of SG29, to produce SG115 and ZSB63, respectively, substantially improved the in vivo adjuvant activity. Of note, the attachment of the stearoyl moiety produced a Th2-biased immune response, while the incorporation of the adamantyl moiety greatly enhanced the production of total IgG but mostly augmented the production of IgG2a antibodies, which indicated a shift toward a Th1 immune response. The identified bona fide capacity of ZSB63 to initiate a cellular immune response thus highlights its untapped potential as an alternative vaccine adjuvant.

Bacterial subversion of NLR-mediated immune responses

Members of the mammalian Nod-like receptor (NLR) protein family are important intracellular sensors for bacteria. Bacteria have evolved under the pressure of detection by host immune sensing systems, leading to adaptive subversion strategies to dampen immune responses for their benefits. These include modification of microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), interception of innate immune pathways by secreted effector proteins and sophisticated instruction of anti-inflammatory adaptive immune responses. Here, we summarise our current understanding of subversion strategies used by bacterial pathogens to manipulate NLR-mediated responses, focusing on the well-studied members NOD1/2, and the inflammasome forming NLRs NLRC4, and NLRP3. We discuss how bacterial pathogens and their products activate these NLRs to promote inflammation and disease and the range of mechanisms used by bacterial pathogens to evade detection by NLRs and to block or dampen NLR activation to ultimately interfere with the generation of host immunity. Moreover, we discuss how bacteria utilise NLRs to facilitate immunotolerance and persistence in the host and outline how various mechanisms used to attenuate innate immune responses towards bacterial pathogens can also aid the host by reducing immunopathologies. Finally, we describe the therapeutic potential of harnessing immune subversion strategies used by bacteria to treat chronic inflammatory conditions.