“…Hp91 (DPNAPKRPPSAFFLFCSE), Hp121 (SIGDVAKKLGEMWNNTAA), scrambled Hp91 (ASLAPPFPNCFDPKSREF), and OVA-I (SIINFEKL) were all synthesized at GMP facilities by [..] CPC Scientific (San Jose, CA, USA). Peptides were synthesized with an N-terminal biotin, acetyl, or fluorescent tag (Cp488) as indicated in the figure legends. Peptides were routinely synthesized with greater than 95% purity.”
Abstract
High mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) acts as an endogenous danger molecule that is released from necrotic cells and activated macrophages. We have previously shown that peptide Hp91, whose sequence corresponds to an area within the B-Box domain of HMGB1, activates dendritic cells (DCs) and acts as an adjuvant in vivo. Here we investigated the underlying mechanisms of Hp91-mediated DC activation. Hp91-induced secretion of IL-6 was dependent on clathrin- and dynamin-driven endocytosis of Hp91 and mediated through a MyD88- and TLR4-dependent pathway involving p38 MAPK and NFκB. Endosomal TLR4 has been shown to activate the MyD88-independent interferon pathway. Hp91-induced activation of pIRF3 and IL-6 secretion was reduced in IFNαβR knockout DCs, suggesting an amplification loop via the IFNαβR. These findings elucidate the mechanisms by which Hp91 acts as immunostimulatory peptide and may serve as a guide for the future development of synthetic Th1-type peptide adjuvants for vaccines.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Connect with us and stay updated by following our social media channels.
Latest Briefings from our Knowledge Center
Press Releases, Industry News, Articles, and Technical Content
CPC Scientific had a fantastic time connecting with partners this year at DCAT Week 2026. See our standout highlights from New York, featuring generic API scale-up, the 98th DCAT Annual Dinner, and more...
Catch CPC Scientific's key highlights from NextGen Biomed 2026, where we showcased how our advanced process design is accelerating production timelines and cost efficiency for greener TIDES manufacturing at scale...
Delivery of polypeptides in multi-kilogram quantities within commercially competitive timelines is extremely challenging, especially when coupled with a desire to minimize environmental and economic impact. This case study explores how CPC Scientific’s advanced process improvements and efficiencies within solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) have enabled multi-kilogram delivery of a pharmaceutically-relevant decapeptide within a challenging timescale, driving sustainable and cost-saving production for the client.
As 2025 draws to a close, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners and colleagues around the world! Your trust and collaboration enabled CPC Scientific to make meaningful progress across our CDMO thought leadership, operational scale, and global business milestones this year. Explore featured highlights and resources from the year to see how our people, partners, and platforms drove innovation and impact throughout 2025.
President Theresa Cheng spoke to PhD students at Weill Cornell Graduate School, sharing industry insights and exploring how academic research today can translate into tomorrow’s cutting-edge healthcare leadership.
Our team has developed an innovative DMF recycling strategy that substantially reduces solvent consumption during solid-phase peptide synthesis. Minimizing use of DMF, a major environmental and cost contributor in peptide manufacturing, has improved process sustainability and cost efficiency. This method neatly demonstrates how targeted green chemistry practices can be successfully integrated into large-scale SPPS, supporting more environmentally responsible and economically viable peptide production.
CPC Scientific’s Rocklin facility is undergoing a major expansion to establish a 41,000 sq ft Center of Excellence for U.S.-based peptide API manufacturing. Construction is now underway—more updates coming soon.
From Nusinersen to Inclisiran, oligonucleotide APIs are rapidly reshaping modern drug development. Explore the role of oligonucleotide CDMOs in enabling analytical innovation and scalable, compliant manufacturing across the RNA therapeutic frontier.
Peptide and oligonucleotide APIs are driving a new generation of pharmaceutical drug development. Learn more about the API manufacturing process and why it matters to partner with a specialized peptide and oligonucleotide CDMO.