Definition

A proprietary preparation of mycobacterial DNA oligonucleotides embedded in mycobacterial cell wall fragments derived from cultures of Mycobacterium phlei, with potential immunomodulatory and antineoplastic activities. DNA oligonucleotides in the mycobacterial cell wall-DNA complex (MCC) induce apoptosis by increasing BAX protein levels, releasing cytochrome C from mitochondria, and activating caspase-3 and -7, which results in the cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and the release of nuclear matrix proteins. In addition to its pro-apoptotic effect, MCC activates monocytes and macrophages to produce various cytokines, including interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL-12, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a). This results in the activation of natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) synthesis.