C100

C100 is a novel, chitin-derived polymer adjuvant (specifically a highly deacetylated chitin polymer with a degree of deacetylation >99.5%) developed as an in situ cancer vaccine. It functions as a potent activator of the cGAS-STING (cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes) signaling pathway. Unlike direct STING agonists, C100 acts indirectly by inducing mitochondrial stress and DNA damage, which triggers the release of endogenous nuclear and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) into the cytosol. This cytosolic DNA then activates the cGAS-STING pathway, specifically promoting the interferon (IFN) arm of the signaling cascade. This mechanism leads to robust type I interferon production and primes CD8+ T cell-dependent anti-tumor immunity while avoiding the excessive pro-inflammatory cytokine release (NF-κB activation) often associated with other STING-targeting therapeutics. It is primarily investigated for intratumoral administration, often in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors such as anti-PD-1, to treat various solid tumors.

Other names

Chitin-derived C100Highly deacetylated chitin polymerHDCP