TXNDC5-targeting aptamer

TXNDC5-targeting aptamer is a DNA aptamer designed to selectively bind and inhibit thioredoxin domain-containing protein 5 (TXNDC5), an endoplasmic reticulum-resident protein disulfide isomerase that drives organ fibrosis, tumor desmoplasia, and immunosuppression. Developed by researchers at National Taiwan University, the aptamer targets TXNDC5 in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to reprogram their metabolism, attenuate TGFβ signaling, and remodel the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In preclinical models of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and colorectal cancer, pharmacological inhibition with the TXNDC5-targeting aptamer reduces desmoplasia, depletes immunosuppressive myeloid cells, enhances cytotoxic T-cell polyfunctionality, and synergizes with anti-PD-1 therapy to achieve robust tumor regression. It is also being investigated for the treatment of organ fibrosis (including cardiac, renal, and pulmonary fibrosis) and atherosclerosis.

Other names

TXNDC5-targeting DNA aptamerTXNDC-5-targeting DNA aptamerTXNDC 5-targeting DNA aptamer