HMGN polypeptides belong to the high mobility group (HMG) family of chromosomal binding peptides. HMGN polypeptides typically function inside the cell nucleus to bind to DNA and nucleosomes and regulate the transcription of various genes. HMGN polypeptides also can be released by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. However, the extracellular release of a HMGN polypeptide initiates activation of the immune system. Therefore, it has potential use as a biological therapeutic for stimulating an immune response. Therefore, HMGN has potential use as a clinically effective immunoadjuvant for use in vaccines against tumors and many intracellular pathogens.
Researchers at the National Cancer Institute, Laboratory of Molecular Immunoregulation developed compositions and methods for using HMGN and its derivatives as immunoadjuvants with microbial or tumor antigens. HMGN can be fused to an antigen gene to produce recombinant fusion proteins or can be administered as a DNA vaccine. Alternatively, HMGN could be exploited as a drug target to treat parasitic infections, inflammatory or autoimmune diseases. The technoloogy has shown effectiveness and high potency in several different mouse xenograft models.