Tumor-selective targeting of immunosuppressive Tregs for cancer treatment

This technology identifies a subset of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs) that can be targeted for cancer treatment.

Unmet Need: Targeted depletion of Tregs in the tumor microenvironment

Though the use of immunotherapies is expanding across several types of cancer, its efficacy is hampered by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), regulatory T cells (Tregs) contribute to the immunosuppressive TME that is resistant to immunotherapy. There is a need to target these immunosuppressive Tregs to improve immunotherapy efficacy and enhance cancer treatment.

The Technology: Immunosuppressive Treg depletion for cancer treatment

This technology identifies αvβ5 integrin as a marker of Tregs that are highly immunosuppressive. These cells are enriched in PDAC tumors, but not the spleen, enabling selective targeting of tumor-infiltrating cells. These tumor-infiltrating Tregs are susceptible to the iRGD tumor-infiltrating peptide, resulting in a tumor-specific decrease in Tregs. This approach has the potential to enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapies in PDAC patients.

This technology has been validated in human cell lines.

Applications:

• Treatment for PDAC
• Treatment for improving immunotherapy efficacy in PDAC
• Modulation of tumor immune microenvironment
• Research tool for studying Treg function and tumor immunosuppression

Advantages:

• Tumor-selective depletion of Treg
• Reduces immunosuppression in the TME
• Enhances efficacy of immunotherapies

Lead Inventor:

Kazuki Sugahara, M.D., Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending (US20260069694)

Related Publications:

• Miyamura N, Yamazaki CM, Anami Y, Tsuchikama K, Sugahara KN. “A cytotoxic peptide-drug conjugate for tumor-specific delivery of co-injected molecules.” PLOS One. 2025 Sep 2; 20(9).

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU23280

• Licensing Contact: Jerry Kokoshka