Columbia Technology Ventures

Targeting PAG for cancer immunotherapy

This technology identifies PAG as a cancer immunotherapy target and demonstrates the effectiveness of PAG inhibition using anti-PAG antibodies for tumor clearance.

Unmet Need: Immune checkpoint inhibitor for enhancing T cell-mediated anti-tumor responses

Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-PD-1, are a relatively new modality that enhances anti-tumor immune responses in T cells of individuals with cancer. Despite great potential, the average response rate for PD-1 binding blockade for most tumors is low, requiring substantial improvement.

The Technology: Anti-PAG antibodies for treating cancer and limiting tumor growth

This technology identifies the PAG protein as a target for cancer immunotherapy and demonstrates the effectiveness of anti-PAG antibody treatment in a tumor-bearing animal model. PAG interactions regulate proper PD-1 signaling; as such, antibodies designed to inhibit PAG successfully prevent PAG/PD-1 interactions, increasing T cell activation, and limiting tumor growth in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment in mice. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce tumor burden either as a monotherapy or in combination with existing cancer therapies.

Applications:

  • Manufacture of anti-PAG antibodies
  • Immunotherapy for cancer treatment
  • Combination therapy with existing cancer immunotherapies

Advantages:

  • Prevents PAG/PD-1 interactions
  • Increases T cell activation
  • Limits tumor growth in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment

Lead Inventor:

Adam Mor, M.D., Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending (WO/2024/098036)

Related Publications:

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