New therapeutic approach in a multiplicity of neurodegenerative and autoinflammatory pathologies

Recent findings have highlighted the important role played by the disregulated activation of the innate immune system in the onset and progression of several neurological and autoinflammatory diseases. Small organic molecules able to modulate the activation of the immune system have, therefore, a great potential in the identification of a therapeutic approach for a multiplicity of neurodegenerative and autoinflammatory pathologies. The inhibition of the caspase-1 enzyme may allow to modulate the release of proinflammatory cytokines deriving from the activation of the inflammasome, blocking the inflammatory process. To date, there are no caspase-1 inhibitors that can be used in the clinic. In fact, although numerous caspase-1 inhibitors have been synthesized, no inhibitor has passed the clinical trial, probably because of the covalent mechanism of action and the consequent unwanted off-target interactions. The Italian research group, in collaboration with a foreign University, is interested in finding possible partners with whom to further develop the technology through technical or research cooperation agreements or joint developments.