FOXP3 Identified as Gene Marker for Impaired Immune Regulation in MS

Clinical research conducted by The Immune Response in association with Oregon Health & Science University has indicated that FOXP3, a specific genetic marker on T-cells known to be involved in maintaining immune tolerance and regulation of autoimmune diseases, is significantly reduced in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) compared to healthy controls.

These findings, published in the July issue of the Journal of Neuroscience Research, are significant to the company because this deficiency of FOXP3 in MS patients is likely linked to deficient numbers of regulatory T-cells (also known as Treg cells).

The company believes that induction of these Treg cells is important to the mechanism of action for NeuroVax, the company's peptide immune-based therapy.