Head scientist of the laboratory for inflammation immunology of the Institute of Immunology and Physiology of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, head of the RAS-SUSU Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Aleksandr Zurochka, told the newspaper South Ural Panorama about the new development.
“Self-treatment is imbedded in our bodies at the genetic level from the moment of our birth, we are simply helping it. The immune system’s cells produce biologically-active regulatory molecules: cytokines. They are huge, and within the body they split into smaller fragments: peptides. But the cell receptors that are affected by the cytokines are much smaller than the giant protein molecules and only the active center of the large biomolecules join to help stimulate the immune system cells. Cytokines can be helpful but can also have a negative side effect: they can activate the “wrong” defense mechanisms and call for excess inflammation, increase the risk of cardiovascular illness, or cause thromboses to appear as a result of failures in the system of blood coagulation,” the scientist explained.
For this reason an idea arose to create a small, artificial molecule matching the protein receptors. From hundreds of molecules a few were selected and the necessary peptide was created using reverse synthesis. It was named “Atsegram”. This molecule is 12 times smaller than a protein molecule and, having all immunotropic characteristics, “fits” exactly where it needs to and maintains bioactivity for a fairly long time.
“Our peptide was developed synthetically, which is the better method for our goals. If we created it from biomaterial of human cells, it would be dirty and infected with viruses, and if we use genetic engineering, then the source material brings other adverse effects. Synthesis from amino acids is the cleanest path, but also the most expensive. Our mini-molecule doesn’t require such expenses, and its creation is economically profitable. In addition, we get our end product without adulteration and it mirrors the molecular composition of the human body,” the expert notes.
As research showed, the peptide will help solve the issue of germs acquiring a tolerance to antibiotics. It destroys the bacteria’s protective biofilm and overcomes their insensitivity to drugs. Another huge plus is improvement of the immune system thanks to strengthened phagocytes and leukocytes.
The peptide also has antiviral properties; it doesn’t allow them to penetrate undamaged cells. This makes the peptide equal to interferon, however Atsegram helps prevent illness while interferons stimulate the immune system. The main inherent advantage of this development is the reparation of cellular recovery processes by the regeneration principle. The molecule has an effect similar in work to stem cells. The peptide kills microbes, and cuts heal quickly without becoming inflamed, plus the scar will be almost unnoticeable.
“Recovery of lost bonds can occur on a physiological level, but this is a slow process. But, thanks to our know how, these possibilities are opened on the immune level as well, making accelerated regeneration of damaged cells and molecular bonds possible.”, noted Zurochka.
At this moment an example of a cosmetic preparation in spray form has been developed which, after receiving approval from the Ministry of Health, will be able to be used to heal tonsillitis, the flu, and the cold, and in a gel form for damaged skin. We have already conducted analyses on animals after burns and injuries; healing is accelerated several times over. Right now this preparation is not medicinal; for that a large number of trials must be conducted, including clinical trials (on humans.) Around 50 million rubles are needed for just the pre-clinical research and the first phase of clinical trials.