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SERENGETI RESPONSE™
IN IMMUNO-ONCOLOGY
Glycyx has identified a core biological mechanism that underlies the platform of our approach to addressing chronic illness: the Serengeti Response™. The Serengeti Response™ is a key part of your body’s reaction to injury or the threat of injury. Evolution collected the key genetic elements of the Serengeti Response™ into one master gene – POMC. The POMC gene activates multiple pathways based on threat situations and also resets every night to prime itself for “fight or flight”. For modern humans, it is harmful when these pathways are activated repeatedly and out of context, in response to chronic illness.
We have characterized the biology of one specific downstream product of POMC activation: β-endorphin–MOR signaling. The MOR receptor is expressed on epithelial and endothelial cells, and most types of immune cells. On epithelial and endothelial cells, MOR signaling promotes dedifferentiation, tissue regrowth, and angiogenesis – to repair possible damage from a fight or flight situation. On immune cells, MOR signaling biases the immune response to innate vs. adaptive immunity – to prepare a broad response to polymicrobial infection after injury. MOR activation in the gut controls immune interaction with the enteric microbiome, acting as a ‘master switch’ for both tissue-repair and immune effects.
Multiple ligands for the receptor include both a sophisticated endogenous signaling system and exogenous agonists found in foods and prescription medicines. The agonist aspect of the receptor is well characterized, but the mechanisms of the antagonist pathways are just being unlocked.
OUR APPROACH
Deep scientific understanding of the mechanism has allowed us to identify a portfolio of assets that can adjust the Serengeti Response™ and help reset the immune system, in particular in fighting cancer.
"When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: You haven't."