Chimeric antigen receptor regulatory T cells (CAR Tregs) for immune tolerance in xenotransplantation
This technology uses chimeric antigen receptor regulatory T cells (CAR Tregs) against swine leukocyte antigens (SLA) to induce immune tolerance and reduce rejection in xenotransplantation.
Unmet Need: Strategy to prevent immune rejection in xenotransplantation
The demand for organ transplantation far exceeds the available human organs, highlighting the need for alternative donor organ sources. Xenotransplantation is the transplantation of organs from other animals into humans, with advances made using transgenic pigs. However, a major obstacle preventing its clinical implementation is the immune rejection of pig organs by the human body. Safe strategies to induce immune tolerance will be essential to make xenotransplantation a reliable source of donor organs and overcome the current shortage.
The Technology: Engineered CAR Tregs to induce immune tolerance in pig-to-human xenotransplantation
This technology uses chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) Tregs to promote immune tolerance to pig organs in xenotransplantation. The human CAR Tregs are engineered to recognize class-I swine leukocyte antigen (SLA), allowing them to selectively suppress immune responses against swine cells with lower risk of inducing general immunosuppression. An additional modification to delete the CD2 surface protein makes cells resistant to T cell depleting conditioning regimens and further enhances their immunosuppressive function. By reducing immune rejection, this technology has the potential to improve xenograft survival, increase transplant success, and support the clinical application of xenotransplantation.
This technology has been validated in vitro using human donor PBMCs and in a mouse model with humanized immune system.
Applications:
- Tolerogenic immunotherapy for xenotransplantation
- Research tool to study host-donor immune interactions
- Platform for xenograft-specific drug delivery
Advantages:
- Safe approach to induce selective immune tolerance
- Improved immunosuppressive function than non-modified CAR Treg cells
- Applicable across wide range of swine to human xenotransplantation
- Resistant to lymphodepleting conditioning regimens
- Potential to improve engraftment during xenotransplantation
- Potential for more durable immune regulation than conventional drug regimens
Lead Inventor:
Patent Information:
Patent Pending(WO/2026/064255)
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU25017, CU21212
Licensing Contact: Jerry Kokoshka