Patent ID: 11878018

Abstract:
The present invention relates to discovery that TBK1 phosphorylates Syntaxin 17 and that phosphorylation of Syntaxin 17 is intimate to control autophagy initiation. The present invention is directed to this discovery and the use of TBK1 inhibitors or inhibitors of Syntaxin 17 phosphorylation alone or in combination with additional bioactive agents to inhibit autophagy in the treatment of disease, especially the treatment of cancers. Methods of treating various cancers are disclosed using TBK1 inhibitors to patients with cancer and into cancerous tissues for the treatment of cancer including the inhibition, amelioration, reduction in metastasis and in recurrence of cancer in remission. Assays and methods for identifying compounds as inhibitors of Syntaxin 17 and as potential therapeutic agents for cancer and autoimmune diseases are also diseased herein.