Our Science
Our Ii-Key Technology Platform
Ii-Key vaccines hijack the immune system through antigen presenting cells; protecting us against foreign invaders.
NuGenerex Immuno-Oncology is focused on the modulation of the immune system and activation of T cells to treat cancer. To that end, we are developing immunotherapeutic products and vaccines based on our proprietary, patented platform technology, Ii-Key. The Ii-Key is a peptide derived from the major histocompatibility complex (“MHC”) Class II associated invariant chain (Ii) that regulates the formation, trafficking, and antigen-presenting functions of MHC class II complexes, essential for the activation of T cells in the immune response.
T cells recognize antigenic epitopes when they are ‘presented’ to them by specific molecules, termed (MHC) on the surface of infected or malignant cells. This interaction activates the T cells with a Th1 response that stimulates a multicellular cascade of actions to eliminate the diseased cell and protect against future disease recurrence.
We have developed a number of Ii-Key peptide vaccines for the immunotherapeutic targeting of tumor associated antigens (TAAs) in cancer and for vaccines against infectious diseases.
Ii-Key peptide vaccines can also be used to selectively activate Th2 responses and thereby induce tolerance to antigens involved in harmful immune reactions, with therapeutic applications in major market segments including diabetes, arthritis, allergy, transplant rejection, and other autoimmune diseases.
NGIO was created not only to advance the Ii-Key core technology, but also to expand our portfolio in the field of immunotherapy, infectious disease vaccines and personalized medicine through partnerships and acquisitions.
How the Ii-Key Works – The Complete Vaccine Solution
Technology Platform
T cells recognize antigenic epitopes when they are ‘presented’ to them by specific molecules, termed (MHC) on the surface of infected or malignant cells. This interaction activates the T cells, stimulating a multicellular cascade of actions that eliminates the diseased cell and protects against future disease recurrence.
Ii-Key Mechanism of Immune System Modulation:
CD4 Activation, T Cell Response, Antibody Induction, Immunologic Memory
Ii-Key-SARS-CoV-2 Peptide Vaccine:
- Class I Epitopes to Activate CD8+ Response
- Class II E pistopes to Activate CD4+ Response
- B-Cell Epitopes to Ativate Antibody Response
Intellectual Property
Platform Patents.
The foundational “Platform Patents” for Ii-Key technology focus on methods of increasing the antigen-specific activation of CD4+ T cells. This cell type is a critical component of the immune system, involved both in the recognition of new pathogenic agents as well as in autoimmune syndromes. The first technology platform (Ii-Key hybrid) relates to a means for increasing the vaccine potency of virtually any protein and while the second (Ii-suppression) relates to generation of an effective cell-based vaccine.
Oncology Patents.
This group of patents relate more specifically to the use of the platform technologies for generating anti-cancer vaccines. We have generated Ii-Key hybrid compounds specifically for patients with breast, prostate, bladder, melanoma and HPV-related cancers.
These patents cover:
- Compositions and Methods Related to Ii Technology
- Ii hybrid peptides used for the enhancement of antigen presentation
- Constructs for the expression of Ii-Key/antigen epitope fusion peptides
- Hybrid Ii-Key/antigen epitope fusion peptides
- Methods for inhibiting Ii expression