polyICLC

polyICLC, commercially known as Hiltonol (and occasionally spelled Hiltinol), is a synthetic double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) complex designed to mimic viral infection and stimulate a robust innate immune response. It consists of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) stabilized with poly-L-lysine and carboxymethylcellulose to prevent degradation by serum nucleases. polyICLC acts as a potent agonist of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) and the cytoplasmic RNA helicase MDA5. By activating these pathways, it induces the production of Type I interferons, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines, which in turn promote the maturation of dendritic cells and the activation of natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. Developed by Oncovir, polyICLC is primarily utilized as a vaccine adjuvant and a direct immunotherapy in various oncology settings, including melanoma, glioblastoma, and pancreatic cancer, often in combination with other agents such as checkpoint inhibitors or radiation therapy.

Brand names

HiltonolHiltinol

Other names

Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid stabilized with poly-L-lysine and carboxymethylcellulosePoly-L-lysine-modified polyinosinic-polycytidylic acidPoly ICLC