Definition

A proprietary synthetic, aerosolized C-class CpG oligodeoxynucleotide-based (ODN) agonist of toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), with potential immunostimulating activity. Upon inhalation, CpG ODN TLR9 agonist DV281 specifically targets, binds to and activates TLR9 expressed by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and B-cells. This initiates immune signaling pathways and induces a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated immune response against antigens expressed by lung cancer cells. TLR9, a member of the TLR family, plays a fundamental role in pathogen recognition and activation of the innate immune system.