DNase I Oncology Platform

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) Are a Driver of Cancer Progression and Metastasis and Can Also Limit the Effectiveness of Current Cancer Therapies

Understanding the Role of NETs

NETs are weblike structures composed of extracellular chromatin coated with histones and other proteins. NETs are expelled by activated neutrophils, in response to microbial or pro-inflammatory challenges. However, excessive production or reduced clearance of NETs can lead to aggravated inflammatory and autoimmune pathologies, as well as creation of pro-tumorigenic niches in the case of cancer growth and metastasis.

Elevated levels of NETs lead to inflammation and a pro-tumorigenic environment that potentiates coagulopathies and cancer progression.

The Role of NETs in Cancer Progression

Our DNase I Platform Employs an Enzyme Designed to Destroy NETs

DNase I Improves Efficacy of PD-1 Blockade

Systemic administration of DNase I improves the efficacy of PD‐1 blockade to reduce the growth of cancer in MC38 colorectal cancer cell model

Combination of DNase I and anti-PD-1 mAb resulted in the lowest tumor volume growth, superior to either DNase I or anti-PD-1 alone

Zhang, H.; Wang, Y.; Onuma, A.; He, J.; Wang, H.; Xia, Y.; Lal, R.; Cheng, X.; Kasumova, G.; Hu, Z.; Deng, M.; Beane, J.D.; Kim, A.C.; Huang, H.; Tsung, A. Neutrophils Extracellular Traps Inhibition Improves PD-1 Blockade Immunotherapy in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers 2021, 13, 5333. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers13215333

DNase I Combined with PD-1 Blockade Slowed Tumor Growth and Prolonged Survival

Systemic Administration of DNase I and Anti-PD-1 Resulted in the Slowest Tumor Growth and Prolonged Overall Survival in MC38 Colorectal Cancer Cell Model


Our Pipeline    XBIO-015    XBIO-020