Immunosuppressant for treating inflammatory and autoimmune diseases

This technology is an immunosuppressant that suppresses T cell proliferation and can be used to treat organ transplant rejection and autoimmune or inflammatory conditions.

Unmet Need: Immunosuppressant that inhibits T cell expansion in inflammatory diseases

T cell proliferation can cause complications with organ transplantation and contribute to autoimmune and inflammatory disease pathology. The immunosuppressant market is growing rapidly, and there is ongoing need for therapeutics that demonstrate long-term slowing of disease progression.

The Technology: Suppressor of T cell expansion in inflammatory diseases

This technology is an enzyme that suppresses T cell proliferation through mechanisms independent of its catalytic domain. This immunosuppressive effect is observed in mixed lymphocyte reaction in vitro, while mice lacking this protein experience enhanced T cell proliferation. This technology could be used to suppress T cell expansion in autoimmune or inflammatory conditions and in prevention of transplant rejection.

Applications:

• Prevention of transplant/graft rejection
• Treatment for autoimmune and inflammatory disorders
• Immunostimulant to treat cancer or infections
• Research tool for studying T cell proliferation

Advantages:

• Can enhance immune function with a blocking antibody or small molecule
• Immune suppression does not require the enzyme catalytic domain
• Endogenously present in the human body

Lead Inventor:

Suzanne Lentzsch, MD

Patent Information:

Patent Pending

Related Publications:

• Ma HH, Fu J, Lentzsch S, Mapara M. "Role of MMP-13 in Graft-Verus-Host Disease" Blood. 2019 Nov 13; 134(1): 1928.

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR 20031, 14018, 22097

• Licensing Contact: Jerry Kokoshka