| Chitin Micro-particles as a Th1 Adjuvant 
Description This technology describes the preparation of micro-particles of chitin. The invention involves the characterization of chitin micro-particles as a Th1 adjuvant, and the use of chitin micro-particles to enhance protective immunity against infectious agents in all populations, especially the immunocompromised (elderly, ill, pregnant women and young children), to inhibit allergic responses in childhood asthma, and to improve the treatment of certain cancers. Insidious organisms can threaten the health of all populations and the intake of these types of organisms can result in life-threatening infectious diseases and a variety of hypersensitivity diseases including asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Prior to this approach, there was no clinically appropriate Th1 adjuvant that could stimulate host defense mechanisms. Administration of chitin micro-particles induces production of interferon-gamma, a key cytokine for host defense, and inhibits productions of interleukins 4, 5 and 10, major pro-allergic cytokines. Chitin micro-particles also inhibit activity of COX-2 (cyclooxygenase 2, a target of COX-2 inhibitors for example Vioxx). Another novel aspect of this product in the intervention is that it can be ingested orally and is prepared as micro-particles, an important feature. Chitin is relatively inexpensive and its stable activity for long periods makes it attractive for therapeutic and prophylactic treatment of various immunocompromised people. Chitin is non-toxic, non-allergenic, and biodegradable. Potential Applications - Medicinal anti-infectious immunotherapeutic
- Nutritional supplement and homeopathic treatment for allergy and asthma
- Formula supplement for infants to build immunity to infections, asthma and allergies
State of Technology Development and Commercialization A formulation and method for large scale preparation of chitin micro-particles are being conducted. Chitin micro-particles as a Th1 adjuvant are available for licensing.
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Updated August 10, 2008 | 
