Method for determining antigen-specific CD8+ T cell efficacy
This technology is a method for predicting the potential therapeutic benefit of ex-vivo expanded immune cells, such as cytologically active CD8+ T cells.
Unmet Need: Reliable prediction of the therapeutic benefit of immune cells
Current methods for cellular immunotherapy for cancers, such as melanoma, are capable of producing objective regression in some patients, yet are only able to cure a very small percentage. Potential reasons for these limitations include an inability to accurately identify the appropriate class of leukocytes to be elicited to fight specific cancers and other infectious diseases. This inability to reliably predict the efficacy of these select immune cells before implantation in patients limits their use in additional applications. As such, a substantial need exists to develop methods for predicting the potential therapeutic benefit of ex-vivo expanded immune cells before implantation in patients.
The Technology: Assay to determine CD8+ T cell activity and efficacy against various disease states
This technology comprises methods and a quantitative model to assess active CD8+ T cells. CD8+ T cells are immune cells that kill target cells upon exposure to a specific antigen. Using collagen-fibrin gels in combination with clonogenic assays, reliable determination of active CD8+ T cell quantity and quality can be used to predict efficacy in treating neoplastic, viral, and bacterial infections. By supporting the growth of both the cytotoxic T cell and various diseased cells, this assay enables researchers to determine the efficacy of select immune cells and effectively assess their therapeutic potential. As such, this technology has the potential to convert cellular immunotherapy from an empirical and unreliable therapy to a quantitative and predictable science.
The technology has been validated with cognate antigen–expressing melanoma cells.
Applications:
- Treating neoplastic diseases such as cancers
- Treating infectious diseases caused by bacterial pathogens
- Improving the specific cytolytic activity of an immune cell
- Treating viral infections
- Treatment of autoimmune diseases
- Research and development in immunotherapeutics
Advantages:
- Can be used to assess a variety of immune cells
- Sensitive method for quantifying and predicting tumoricidal activity
- Experimentally verified
- Simple and cost-effective
Lead Inventor:
Patent Information:
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR 2830
Licensing Contact: Sara Gusik