1. IK14800 reduces DNA damage in the skin following exposure to ultraviolet irradiation, re-invigorates exhausted T cells, and suppresses growth of melanoma metastases. Notably, despite use of sunscreens the global incidence of skin cancers continues to rise.

2. IK15800 has potential to enhance vaccine efficacy given synergistic induction of type I IFNs in combination with TLR9 agonists, biostability in human serum and depot retention upon injection. More effective vaccines against selected cancers and viral pathogens, eg, Ebola, remain an unmet need.

3. IK14004 Maintenance of anticancer immunity without compromising immune tolerance remains an ongoing challenge in therapeutic interventions designed to block immune checkpoints [1]. Agrez and colleagues have recently provided the first evidence of suppression of melanoma and an autoimmune-related condition, i.e., psoriasis, in immunocompetent mice using a novel lipopeptide at the same dose [2]. Moreover, uncoupling cytokine-mediated signalling pathways in human immune cells exposed to this compound in vitro suggests that mechanisms exist whereby the seesaw duality of immune responses against cancer versus autoreactive immune cells may be kept in check. This offers a new paradigm in cancer immunotherapy. In situations where immune checkpoint inhibitors are likely to exacerbate pre-existing autoimmune disease, addition of the lipopeptide could be informative.