CU-CPT9a is a drug which acts as a potent and selective antagonist of
Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8), with an IC50 of 0.5nM. Activation of toll-like receptors triggers release of
cytokines and other signalling factors, leading to
inflammation. This is an essential part of the
immune system's response to infection, but chronic activation of TLR signalling is thought to be involved in various inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. CU-CPT9a has
immunosuppressant properties, and may have applications in the treatment of autoimmune disorders, as well as being used in scientific research into the function of TLR8.[1][2][3][4][5]
^Yang J, Lan J, Du H, Zhang X, Li A, Zhang X, et al. (March 2019). "Icariside II induces cell cycle arrest and differentiation via TLR8/MyD88/p38 pathway in acute myeloid leukemia cells". European Journal of Pharmacology. 846: 12–22.
doi:
10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.12.026.
PMID30579933.
S2CID58567568.