Science

RIGImmune is developing platforms that activate RIG-I activity to “jumpstart” the immune system to target viral infections and certain cancers, as well as support the efficacy of vaccines for viral infections.

RIG-I is key to our natural defense against viral infection. When viral RNA enters our cells, it stimulates a rapid, natural defense response: activation of sensor proteins that trigger our innate immune system.

The innate immune system utilizes host encoded nucleic acid sensors known as pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), like RIG-I, to surveil viral pathogens. RIG-I mediates viral RNA recognition and initiates front line anti-viral defense through the mitochondria and Interferon-1 dependent and independent mechanisms.

RIGImmune is also developing a platform that seeks to do the opposite, curtail RIG-I, to control inflammation in certain auto-immune diseases by suppressing the immune system. The company is simultaneously working to design these platforms using optimal targeted delivery systems, including nasal delivery of therapeutics for viral infections and tissue targeting through tumor microenvironments.

RIG-I acts like a switch, remaining in its inhibited state in the cytosol until it encounters a high affinity RNA agonist which causes it to undergo a conformational change.

RIG-I activation by stem loop RNA therapeutics (SLRs) triggers and increases the speed of a multifaceted immune response and preclinical data has shown SLRs to be effective against existing and emerging RNA viruses.