Coverage Initiated: July 2006

Dynavax (DVAX) describes itself as a “leader in TLR-9” based product development. TLR stands for “toll-like receptors”, an important element of our immune system.

The commonly known elements of human immunity are almost a mantra. Our body becomes trained to recognize specific substances (i.e. antigens) on the surface of foreign invaders like viruses, bacteria, and parasites. The most commonly known immune system actor is the “antibody”. Antibodies are present in the plasma and on cell membranes. They attack and prevent invaders from causing further havoc. The invaders however can evade the antibodies by hiding within your cells. Eliminating those invaders is the task is left to “killer T-Cells”. This is all part of the adaptive immune system.

If we waited for the adaptive immune system to start up on its own, we’d all be dead.

The so-called “innate immune system” is responsible for providing a first line of defense. The TLRs are an essential and wonderfully complex part of the innate immune system. Biologists have been aware of the innate system, but it was ignored as an evolutionary holdover. It was considered “low-tech” and something providing only broad protection.

TLR-based drugs “wake up” the adaptive immune system against chronic illnesses. These are illnesses in which the immune response has been overly quiet like cancer, HCV, HIV, and HBV. You can also use TLRs to modify the response of the body to a specific antigen, perhaps to dull the allergic response.

A complete listing of our research on Dynavax is available by clicking here.