"Click" chemistry approach for epitope presentation by MHC complexes

This technology is a method of generating an effective humoral and cellular immune response to poorly immunogenic targets.

Unmet Need: Enhanced recognition of small molecules by immune system components

Current biochemical methods used to generate antibody responses or T-cell activation using small molecules are sometimes non-immunogenic, leading to poor recognition by T-cell receptors and a weak immune response. T-cell receptor peptide recognition occurs in the context of MHC class molecules that present corresponding antigens on the cell surface. Fast and efficient coupling of small molecules to high molecular mass carriers at high ratios can potentially increase T-cell recognition.

The Technology: Improved immunogenic response using “click” chemistry coupling reactions

This technology describes the use of bioorthogonal (‘Click’) chemistry reactions to couple immunogenic targets of interest to anchoring peptides within MHC molecule complexes. The coupling can be performed in vivo or in vitro by administering alkene anchoring peptides followed by an azide or tetrazine modified target of interest. Such reactions enable recognition of ‘clicked’ targets of interest by T-cell receptors, leading to an effective immune response against poor immunogenic targets.

Applications:

• Research tool for studying immune response to various targets
• Vaccine development
• Production of antibodies
• Development of potent small molecules for immunotherapy
• Research tool for immune target discovery

Advantages:

• Improves effective immune response
• Increases antibody yield and uses less antigen for immunization
• Allows for specific saturation of MHC complexes with a target of interest

Lead Inventor:

Ilya Trakht, Ph.D.

Related Publications:

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU21154, CU21177

• Licensing Contact: Jerry Kokoshka