Defining the immunomodulatory effects of antisense oligonucleotides on TLR7 and TLR8

This thesis investigates how certain chemically modified antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), used in gene therapy, might unintentionally affect our immune system. Specifically, we looked at how these ASOs interact with Toll Like receptor (TLR) 7 and TLR8, which are important innate immune receptors involved in fighting infections. ASOs can suppress TLR7, while activating TLR8 response. Therefore, characterising such mmunomodulatory side effects on such important receptors is crucial to design safer and more effective ASOs treatments.