MHV370

MHV370 is an oral small molecule drug developed as a selective antagonist of Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8). These endosomal receptors are part of the innate immune system and are activated by GU-rich single-stranded RNA. Chronic activation of TLR7/8 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome, mixed connective tissue disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus. By inhibiting TLR7/8 signaling, MHV370 blocks downstream production of cytokines—most notably interferon-α—and suppresses activation of B cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, monocytes, and neutrophils. Preclinical studies have shown that MHV370 can halt disease progression in mouse models of lupus. The drug is currently being evaluated in phase II clinical trials for connective tissue disorders including Sjögren’s syndrome and mixed connective tissue disease[1][2][3][4][5].