SEATTLE, Nov. 2, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TapImmune Inc. (OTCBB:TPIV) is pleased to announce a collaboration with Nature Immunology and Arkitek Studios to visualize TAP's role in combating disease.
TapImmune is teaming up with Nature Immunology and Arkitek Studios to create a 3D animation describing the TAP mechanism found in all cells that regulates cellular response to disease.
"This mechanism is extremely interesting, because it appears to be involved globally in the body's response to disease and infection," said Doug Huff, co-founder/Creative Director of Arkitek. "We're excited to get the chance to visualize these molecules which play such an integral part in the immune system's machinery."
"This collaboration, with leaders in scientific publishing and technical animations, will allow us better visualize and communicate the central role of TAP in antigen presentation and our technology approach for the treatment of cancer and infectious disease," said Glynn Wilson, Ph.D., Chairman & CEO of TapImmune.
"The TAP mechanism plays a key role in diverse aspects of the immune response," said Zoltan Fehervari, Ph.D., Associate Editor of Nature Immunology. "Understanding how it works through Arkitek's fantastic animations should be an invaluable teaching tool not only for immunologists but also for anyone wishing to understand this fundamental cell biological process."
Similar projects done with Nature Reviews Genetics and Nature Reviews Microbiology have resulted in several long-running 3D animations found on Nature's website.
About TapImmune
TapImmune's unique approach is designed to increase the efficacy of vaccines by enhancing antigen presentation through the use of the Transporter of Antigen Processing ('TAP'). Replacement of this transporter provides a significant immune response with the potential to treat a variety of cancers which lack normal amounts of TAP.
TapImmune's lead product candidate, AdhTAP, is designed to restore and augment antigen presentation and subsequent recognition and killing of cancer cells by the immune system. As a stand-alone cancer therapy or in combination with other drugs, AdhTAP could prove to be a key component of a more successful assault on cancer. TapImmune is entering clinical co-development of a multi-component vaccine for the treatment of HER-2/neu positive breast cancer.
The Company is also developing a TAP-based prophylactic vaccine which initial tests indicate may increase the efficacy of targeted prophylactic vaccines by up to 1000 times. TapImmune's TAP technology could significantly improve the efficacy of many current prophylactic vaccines and enhance the creation of new ones in the fight against many pandemic infectious diseases. Next generation smallpox and TB vaccines are currently in preclinical development.
The TapImmune Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3877
About Nature Immunology
Nature Immunology is the world's premier immunology research journal and publishes papers of the highest quality and significance in all areas of immunology.
About Arkitek
Founded in 1997, Arkitek creates high-end linear and interactive visual content for the science, technology and education communities. We translate tough concepts into elegant visualizations that are captivating and universally understandable by diverse audiences worldwide.
Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer
This release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this news release concerning the Company's expectations, plans, business outlook or future performance, and any other statements concerning assumptions made or expectations as to any future events, conditions, performance or other matters, are "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are by their nature subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those stored in such statements. Such risks, uncertainties and factors include, but are not limited to the risks set forth in the Company's most recent Form 10-K and other SEC filings which are available through EDGAR at www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements.