DAMP/PAMP Interceptors-CAP Modulators
DAMP/PAMP Interceptors-CAP Modulators are unique therapeutics applicable to a wide range of recalcitrant diseases involving DAMPs/PAMPs and Autonomic Nervous System imbalances. Our approach differs from prior targeted monotherapies which have failed or been insufficient due to the complexity and redundancy of the host response to injury and infection.
DAMP/PAMP Interceptors-CAP Modulators are variants of evolutionary ancient conserved proteins that mediate and coordinate the bodies response and defense against injury and infection. These protein-engineered therapeutics retain a subset of their ancient ancestors abilities to affect multiple targets and pathways that are instrumental to the pathology of many acute and chronic diseases. The subset of functionalities obtained by protein engineering is expected to skew and mitigate the effects of overly exuberant responses to severe, multifactorial injuries and to resolve the persistent inflammatory states of chronic diseases.
Such injuries and chronic diseases resemble a pathological run-away train which must be restrained to save lives.
DAMP/PAMP Interceptors
DAMP is an acronym for Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns and PAMP is an acronym for Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns. DAMPs are released from damaged cells whereas PAMPs are components of pathogens. Either type of molecular or macromolecular component can bind to various cellular molecular recognition elements and initiate reactions such as increased phagocytosis or reparative processes. The outcome of this signaling can vary from beneficial adaptation or resistance to the offending agent up to exaggerated dysfunctional responses that propagate tissue damage, organ failure and death.
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Interceptors are macromolecular elements which can bind or deactivate DAMPs and PAMPs, disrupting and limiting the passage of the danger signal to cells. These danger signals are responsible for initiation of dysfunctional inflammatory responses such as hyper- inflammation, immunosuppression and wasting cachexia.
CAP Modulators
CAP is an acronym for 'Cholinergic Anti-inflammatory Pathway'. The CAP is mediated by the canonical neurotransmitter acetylcholine which acts on immune and non-immune cells to exert many beneficial effects, including and beyond anti-inflammation. The source of acetylcholine is comprised of two parts: (1) the nervous system mediated release of the canonical neurotransmitter acetylcholine and (2) the non-neural mediated release of acetylcholine from various cell types.
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The parasympathetic part of the autonomic system, especially the vagus nerve, is the best understood component of the CAP. The parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system function in a delicate balance, which is disrupted by injury, infection, aging, and a wide variety of acute and chronic diseases processes. Small alterations in the balance allow the human body to adapt to local changes in the body, but large swings such as occur in severe injuries and infection synergize with DAMPs and PAMPs to evoke systemic life-threatening dysfunction and organ failure. External stimulation of the CAP by therapeutics can restore the balance and promote recovery.