Preconditioning cell treatment for immunotherapy

This technology is a preconditioning regimen for mesenchymal stem cells prior to immunotherapy.

Unmet Need: Uniform immunomodulatory phenotype for immunotherapy

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are evolving as a promising cell-based therapy for a wide range of immune-related disorders, as they have been shown to possess immunosuppressive and hypoimmunogenic properties. MSC-based immunotherapy has shown limited efficacy in clinical trials, compared to in vitro studies.. Despite preconditioning methods, the mesenchymal stem cells used for treatment have unstable immunosuppressive action. There is a need for an improved stem cells preconditioning regimen for immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive applications.

The Technology: Cell preconditioning regimen for enhanced immunosuppressive potential

This technology is a method to enhance clinical efficacy of cell-based immunotherapy. It combines two preconditioning methods: exposure to hypoxia and to an inflammatory cytokine, to increase the immunosuppressive potential of mesenchymal stem cells. The dual-treatment priming regimen confers greater cellular improvements and less dependence on oxidative phosphorylation indicative of enhanced immunoregulatory functions and increased therapeutic potential.

This technology has been validated in vitro.

Applications:

• Preconditioning regimen for cell-based therapies and other stem cell types
• Research on exosomes and microvesicles from dual-stimulated MSCs
• Immunosuppressant therapy for transplantation
• Preconditioning regimen for autoimmune diseases treatment and ischemic heart disease

Advantages:

• High immunomodulatory potential
• Increased survival rate and engraft post-injection
• Cost-effective

Lead Inventor:

Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending

Related Publications:

• Wobma HM, Kanai M, Ma SP, Nakazawa KR, Li H, Duran‐Struuck R, Vunjak‐Novakovic G. “Preconditioning Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Improve Transplant Tolerance” Biology of Blood and Bone Marrow Transplantation. 2016 March; 22(3): S149‐149.

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU18179, CU18259

• Licensing Contact: Devin Jones