Provepep performs first-ever synthesis of bioactive
homodimer form of IL-10
Provepep’s unique native ligation SEA technology used in chemical
synthesis of long peptides and proteins
Marseille, France, October 5, 2015 - Provepep, the peptide business unit of Provence
Technologies Group, a specialist fine chemistry research group, today announces that it
has successfully synthesized tens of mg of bioactive homodimer form of IL-10. Provepep
is one of the two laboratories worldwide able to chemically synthesize therapeutic
proteins and the only one using the SEA Technology.
Provepep performed a solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) using its proprietary SEA1
peptide ligation technology. Building upon the synthesis of different parts, SEA allows
easy ligation of the complete sequence. The resulting monomer of 160 mer contains two
disulfide bridges.
This chemical synthesis, which is performed under Good Manufacturing Practice
conditions, offers high-yield and high purity products. The process is easily reproducible.
Provepep holds an exclusive licence from CNRS for SEA, a new and patented technology
that reduces production costs by up to 40%.
The SEA peptide ligation technique is an alternative to recombinant technologies that
usually come with viral safety and contamination problems. It is also able to create
proteins bearing non-natural amino-acids, something living organisms cannot do.
“We managed to overcome major technological issues to allow the chemical synthesis
and to achieve high activity for this Interleukin,” said Jean-Pierre Salles, CSO of
Provepep. “After successfully finding a new synthetic pathway to purify Methylene Blue,
we have proven yet again our technological know-how in chemical synthesis for long
peptides and proteins.”
This achievement paves the way for new generations of more affordable biological
therapies, such as modified proteins. With this technology, Provepep targets
pharmaceutical companies working on therapeutic proteins, fusion proteins and
polyepitope vaccine projects.
“Once more, our technology allowed us to produce through chemical synthesis a protein
that is cheaper and purer than products stemming from recombinants technologies,” said
Michel Feraud, CEO of Provence Technologies Group. “This new chemical synthesis should
offer as many uses as recombinant technologies and facilitate the use of new biological
therapies in immuno-regulation and inflammation. It also proves that Provepep is a
natural leader in the market for chemical production of long peptides and proteins.”
1
abbreviation of bis (2-sulfanylethyl) amido About IL-10
IL-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine produced primarily by macrophages, regulatory T
cells and epithelial cells. IL-10 has pleiotropic effects in immuno-regulation and
inflammation, inhibiting the production of multiple, diverse inflammatory mediators (e.g.,
IL-12, MHC class II antigens and costimulatory molecules) from activated macrophages
and dendritic cells—a process requiring STAT3 activation. It also down regulates the
expression of Th1 cytokines (such as IFN-γ, TNF, IL-1β, and IL-6) and impairs secondary
CD8+ T cell responses. More generally, IL-10 enhances B cell survival, proliferation and
antibody production. IL-10 deficiency in mice suggests the function of this cytokine as an
essential immuno-regulator in the intestinal tract. Mutations in IL-10 are associated with
an increased susceptibility to HIV-1 infection and rheumatoid arthritis. Recently it was
demonstrated that IL-10 simultaneously stimulates antitumor immunity and inhibits
tumor-associated inflammation. This activity is dependent on the expression of IFN-γ and
granzymes in tumor-resident CD8+ T cells and the upregulation of MHC molecules.
About Provepep
The Provence Technologies Group peptide business unit (formerly Synprosis) specializes
in the chemical synthesis (SPPS) of long peptides (>200 aa) or little proteins for research
or GMP grade. With a strong immunology culture, Provepep has developed several
polyepitopic peptides for vaccines against infectious diseases and cancer. Provepep is
able to produce conjugated peptides, MAP peptides and lipopeptides under GMP
conditions. Provepep also works in the field of toxins with the synthesis of 60 mer
peptides 2, 3 fingers containing up to 4 disulfide bridges. Provepep owns a unique
technology of native ligation SEA (exclusive license from Lille University and CNRS)
allowing the company to offer an alternative to recombinant technology with an efficient,
qualitative and cost-effective solution.
www.provepep.com
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