Newly discovered compound blocks signaling pathway of immune response

Scientists at CeMM, the Medical University of Vienna, and the University of Lausanne have succeeded for the first time in identifying and characterizing a new small molecule called “Feeblin,” which can inhibit the interaction of the transporter protein SLC15A4 with the adapter protein TASL. Both proteins are part of proinflammatory signaling pathways in the body. In particular, patients with autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus (SLE) could benefit from inhibiting the signaling pathway.