The present invention provides a Pro-cyclic dinucleotide (Pro-CDN) comprising a STING agonist cyclic dinucleotide which is coupled to a linker system. The Pro-CDNs of the present invention can be metabolized at a targeted site into CDNs and exert their full immunomodulatory effects at said targeted site. The present invention also provides conjugates wherein a Pro-CDN is conjugated to a Biologically Active Molecule (BAM) such as e.g. a cytotoxic molecule, a lipid, a protein, a peptide, a nucleic acid, a sugar or a PRR ligand. The invention provides also methods related to the use of such compounds to perform their activities at their targeted sites, to exert cytotoxic, cytostatic or immunomodulatory effects, to treat or to prevent diseases such as cancers, immunological disorders or infections.

The present invention provides a Pro-cyclic dinucleotide (Pro-CDN) comprising a STING agonist cyclic dinucleotide which is coupled to a linker system. The Pro-CDNs of the present invention can be metabolized at a targeted site into CDNs and exert their full immunomodulatory effects at said targeted site. The present invention also provides conjugates wherein a Pro-CDN is conjugated to a Biologically Active Molecule (BAM) such as e.g. a cytotoxic molecule, a lipid, a protein, a peptide, a nucleic acid, a sugar or a PRR ligand. The invention provides also methods related to the use of such compounds to perform their activities at their targeted sites, to exert cytotoxic, cytostatic or immunomodulatory effects, to treat or to prevent diseases such as cancers, immunological disorders or infections.

A population of polymeric particles for controlled release of therapeutic agents which have unacceptable toxicity when administered intravitreally can be safely administered suprachoroidally at the same intravitreal concentration or dose. In a preferred embodiment, the particles have a high loading of the agent and is released without a substantial initial burst release. Examples demonstrate safety and efficacy of delivery of acriflavine-containing particles when administered suprachoroidally. The examples demonstrate sustained release with low to no burst release of the highly water soluble agent for up to 60 days.

A population of polymeric particles for controlled release of therapeutic agents which have unacceptable toxicity when administered intravitreally can be safely administered suprachoroidally at the same intravitreal concentration or dose. In a preferred embodiment, the particles have a high loading of the agent and is released without a substantial initial burst release. Examples demonstrate safety and efficacy of delivery of acriflavine-containing particles when administered suprachoroidally. The examples demonstrate sustained release with low to no burst release of the highly water soluble agent for up to 60 days.

Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for treating viral infections, diseases, syndromes, or disorders that are affected by the modulation of STING. Such compounds are represented by Formula (I) as follows: ##STR00001##
wherein R.sub.1A, R.sub.1B, R.sub.1c, B.sub.1, R.sub.2A, and R.sub.2B are defined herein.

Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists can induce chemokine production. We find that TLR2 and TLR6 are widely expressed on human melanoma cells, and that TLR2/6 agonists (MALP-2 or FSL-1) synergize with interferon-gamma (IFNγ) to induce production of CXCL10 from melanoma cells. Furthermore, melanoma cells and immune cells freshly isolated from surgical specimens also respond to TLR2/6 agonists +IFNγ by upregulating CXCL10 production, compared to treatment with either agent alone. It is also disclosed herein that these compounds are useful in inducing CLXL10 in other types of cancer. Collectively, these data identify a novel synergy of TLR2/6 agonists +IFNγ for inducing CXCL10 production directly from melanoma cells, raising the possibility that intratumoral administration of these agents may improve immune signatures in melanoma and have value in combination with other immune therapies, by supporting T-cell migration into melanoma metastases.

Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists can induce chemokine production. We find that TLR2 and TLR6 are widely expressed on human melanoma cells, and that TLR2/6 agonists (MALP-2 or FSL-1) synergize with interferon-gamma (IFNγ) to induce production of CXCL10 from melanoma cells. Furthermore, melanoma cells and immune cells freshly isolated from surgical specimens also respond to TLR2/6 agonists +IFNγ by upregulating CXCL10 production, compared to treatment with either agent alone. It is also disclosed herein that these compounds are useful in inducing CLXL10 in other types of cancer. Collectively, these data identify a novel synergy of TLR2/6 agonists +IFNγ for inducing CXCL10 production directly from melanoma cells, raising the possibility that intratumoral administration of these agents may improve immune signatures in melanoma and have value in combination with other immune therapies, by supporting T-cell migration into melanoma metastases.

Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists can induce chemokine production. We find that TLR2 and TLR6 are widely expressed on human melanoma cells, and that TLR2/6 agonists (MALP-2 or FSL-1) synergize with interferon-gamma (IFNγ) to induce production of CXCL10 from melanoma cells. Furthermore, melanoma cells and immune cells freshly isolated from surgical specimens also respond to TLR2/6 agonists +IFNγ by upregulating CXCL10 production, compared to treatment with either agent alone. It is also disclosed herein that these compounds are useful in inducing CLXL10 in other types of cancer. Collectively, these data identify a novel synergy of TLR2/6 agonists +IFNγ for inducing CXCL10 production directly from melanoma cells, raising the possibility that intratumoral administration of these agents may improve immune signatures in melanoma and have value in combination with other immune therapies, by supporting T-cell migration into melanoma metastases.

Certain embodiments of the invention provide a method for improving maternal and/or offspring health, comprising administering an effective amount of a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) precursor to a female mammal (e.g., pregnant or lactating female mammal).

Certain embodiments of the invention provide a method for improving maternal and/or offspring health, comprising administering an effective amount of a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) precursor to a female mammal (e.g., pregnant or lactating female mammal).