Technologies
This technology is a CRISPR gene editing approach to enhance regulatory T-cell (Treg) and CAR Treg stability to create safer and more effective immunosuppressive therapies for transplantation and autoimmunity.
Current immunosuppressive therapies for organ transplantation are not effective in the long term and come with various side effects. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) naturally have immunosuppressive functions, and CAR (chimeric antigen receptor) Tregs can be engineered to tolerate specific antigens, making them a promising approach for treating autoimmune diseases and promoting immune tolerance after transplantation. However, challenges such as CAR Treg instability and low efficacy limit their current use. Improving the stability and function of CAR Tregs could enhance their effectiveness and expand their potential applications.
This technology uses an RNA-guided nuclease to selectively eliminate or block the expression of specific cell-surface antigens to create regulatory T cells (Tregs) with enhanced stability. These antigens are essential for two key processes: the conversion of Tregs into effector T cells and the binding of antibodies that target T cells, such as anti-CD2. By targeting these antigens, the technology creates Tregs and CAR Tregs that are resistant to both conversion into effector T cells and depletion by T-cell-targeting antibodies. As a result, these Tregs maintain enhanced stability and are more resilient to immunosuppressive treatments. This approach can be used to treat, reduce, or prevent transplant rejection, autoimmune diseases, and graft-versus-host disease by promoting systemic immune tolerance or immunosuppression.
Patent Pending (WO/2023/178165)
IR CU22040
Licensing Contact: Jerry Kokoshka