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Harnessing the Power of Interferon Pathways: Introducing SYNFERON™ Molecules

Interferons are powerful proteins produced by the body’s immune system that help defend against infections and harmful pathogens. The Interferon pathway is a series of biological steps that the immune system takes to respond to viruses and other threats.  

The immune system itself has two main components: the innate immune system, which serves as the first line of defense, and the adaptive immune system, which is triggered by the innate immune system, producing a follow-on response that is more targeted. Inflammation is an important part of the immune response to pathogens; however, when over activated can exacerbate to disease (hyperinflammatory response).

SYNFERON™ Molecules Pre-clinically Inhibit Pathogens and Reduce Hyper-Inflammatory Response

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Adapted from McNab et al., Nat Rev Immunol, 2015​

Activation of the Interferon pathway, part of the innate immune system, occurs when Type I Interferons bind to specific receptors on the cells, called Interferon alpha receptors 1 and 2 (IFNAR1 and IFNAR2). This triggers the activation of more than 300 specialized Interferon-stimulated genes, many of which have direct antiviral properties. Type I Interferons and their related treatments have been used as antiviral treatments, but widespread therapeutic use has historically been limited due to significant side effects, including flu-like symptoms, neuropsychological side effects, hematological toxicity, and autoimmune exacerbation.1,2

Type I IFN Function

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SOURCE: Borden EC, Sen GC, Uze G, Silverman RH, Ransohoff RM, Foster GR, Stark GR. Interferons at age 50: past, current and future impact on biomedicine. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2007 Dec;6(12):975-90. doi: 10.1038/nrd2422. PMID: 18049472; PMCID: PMC7097588.​

How Does SYNFERON™ Technology Work?

IFNAR Receptors-1

Yen M, Ren J, Liu Q, Glassman CR, Sheahan TP, Picton LK, Moreira FR, Rustagi A, Jude KM, Zhao X, Blish CA, Baric RS, Su LL, Garcia KC. Facile discovery of surrogate cytokine agonists. Cell. 2022 Apr 14;185(8):1414-1430.e19. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.02.025. Epub 2022 Mar 23. PMID: 35325595; PMCID: PMC9021867.​

SYNFERON™ molecules are synthetic proteins that specifically target two key Interferon-alpha receptors, IFNAR1 and IFNAR2. These tunable proteins are designed to synergize two different pathways of the body’s immune system making them, collectively, more targeted and effective in triggering immune responses for therapeutic needs.

These molecules represent a novel approach to using the well-established Type I Interferon pathway: 

Tailoring Immune Responses for Specific Diseases

Tailoring Immune Responses for Specific Diseases

SYNFERON™ technology is designed to fine-tune the body’s immune signaling pathways to match the needs of specific diseases. By adjusting how these molecules interact with immune receptors and their structure, we aim to tune the immune response to combat disease caused by viral infections, autoimmune disorders or cancer.

Designed for Broad Antiviral Protection

Designed for Broad Antiviral Protection

The initial SYNFERON™ molecules are being developed to program the Type I Interferon pathway for potent multi-viral activity while minimizing inflammation and reducing unwanted side effects and damage to healthy cells.

Exhibiting Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Exhibiting Anti-Inflammatory Activity

SYNFERON™ molecules are designed to tune the body’s natural Interferon response by blocking the immune signals that trigger harmful inflammation.

The SYNFERON™ molecules have demonstrated both antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties in both in vitro and in vivo studies, suggesting their potential to reduce the side effects seen with traditional therapies, such as inflammation and harm to healthy cells. 

The technology aims to fine-tune the immune response, dialing in the optimal antiviral, inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory properties to address unmet medical needs across broad indications in infectious disease, autoimmunity, and oncology. 

Showcasing the Science

IntegerBio is at the forefront of Immunovirology, utilizing SYNFERON™ Technology to tune and develop therapeutics that will challenge traditional assumptions about the potential of Interferons. Our research and data have begun to: 

  • SYNFERON™ molecules have demonstrated broad antiviral properties in pre-clinical studies making them potentially effective against a wide range of viruses, including respiratory viruses, herpesviruses, and flaviviruses.
  • These molecules have been tuned to reduce pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic Interferon-stimulated genes, enhancing its safety profile.  

IB-001 SYNFERON™ Exhibits Potent Antiviral Activity
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1 Antiviral activity measured in A549 cells (RSV, hMPV, PIV3, influenza), primary human hepatocytes (HBV & HDV), human PBMCs (Measles).

2 Activity against circulating H5N1 A/Cattle/USA/Texas/56283/2024.

In preclinical studies, SYNFERON™ molecules significantly reduced key markers of HBV infection while keeping healthy cells unharmed. 

SYNFERON™ molecules are uniquely designed, allowing for targeted therapeutic development profiles to address specific disease needs, accelerating a potential paradigm-shift for Interferon-based therapies. 

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Where to go next

IntegerBio’s technology is protected under an exclusive license, publicly filed patents, and additional pending patent applications. For inquiries about our intellectual property and technology portfolio, please contact us.

1. Sleijfer, S, et al. Pharm World Sci. 2005 Dec; 27(6):423-31. doi: 10.1007/s11096-005-1319-7
2. Raison CL, et al. CNS Drugs. 2005;19(2):105-23. doi: 10.2165/00023210-200519020-00002