Heat Biologics TNFRSF25 agonist technology represents a first-in-class agent to specifically stimulate the proliferation of Treg cells in vivo. 

Heat Biologics’ is developing multiple agents targeting TNFRSF25, a co-stimulatory receptor expressed by human T cells.  Heat Biologics' TNFRSF25 agonist technology represents a first-in-class agent to specifically stimulate the proliferation of Treg cells in vivo.

Stimulation of TNFRSF25 leads to antigen-dependent proliferation of specific T cell populations, including avital anti-inflammatory arm of the human immune system mediated by regulatory T cells (Treg). Treg cells are a non-redundant cell population that prevents the development of autoimmune disease including type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma and lupus throughout our lives. In addition, Treg cells have been used to prevent rejection of both solid organ and stem cell transplants in animal models.

Anti-TNFRSF25 is currently the most selective and potent stimulator of Treg proliferation described to date and Heat has undertaken validation studies to explore the therapeutic potential of both its TL1A-Ig fusion protein and monoclonal Anti-TNFRSF25 antibody. Impressive data has been gathered in a number of relevant in vitro and in vivo models that support this approach for the enhanced management of Graft versus Host disease (GvHD) in organ and cell transplantation procedures as well as development of this product for autoInflammatory disease including asthma and seasonal allergy.