Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of the University of Arizona

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Inc.

University of South Florida

Amanda Huynh

Robert J Gillies

David L Morse

Josef Vagner

Mark L McLaughlin

Michael Doligalski

Cellular targets on cancer cells have been identified that can be used with targeted molecular imaging to detect the cancer cells in vivo. Non-invasive methods for detecting cancer cells, such as metastasized cancer cells, are therefore provided. Also provided are compositions and kits for use in the disclosed methods.

Molecular imaging of cancer cells in vivo

Disclosed are monoacylated Toll-like receptor 2 ligands which can be used in both the development of targeted agents for the imaging and treatment of pancreatic cancer as well as other cancers, and as an adjuvant for cancer immunotherapy. The monoacylated compounds disclosed herein have a higher binding affinity for TLR2 relative to a known potent diacylated agonists, but only &#x2212;&#xbd; the bioactivity. Competition of the monoacylated compound with the diacylated compound for binding TLR2 was confirmed. Hence, the reported monoacylated compounds are inhibitors/antagonists of TLR2 activation.

Toll-like receptor 2 ligands and methods of making and using thereof

Growing community of inventors

Land O Lakes, FL, United States of America

Amanda Huynh