METHOD TO IDENTIFY POLYPEPTIDE TOLL-LIKE RECEPTOR (TLR) LIGANDS

摘要

The present invention provides novel methods to identify polypeptide ligands for Toll-like Receptors (TLRs), such as TLR2, TLR4 and TLR5. The method involves the use of phage display technology in an iterative biopanning procedure. The invention also provides polypeptide TLR ligands identified by the methods of the invention. In preferred embodiments, the polypeptide TLR ligands so identified modulate TLR signaling and thereby regulate the Innate Immune Response. The invention also provides vaccines comprising a polypeptide TLR ligand identified by the methods of the invention and an antigen. The invention also provides methods of modulating TLR signaling using the polypeptide TLR ligands and vaccines of the invention.