Abstract:
Innovation:Inventors at the University of Missouri have developed a pre-therapeutic modality to stimulate the immune system. Specifically, this modality targets human T-cells via CD3 potentiation to amplify the immune response produced against various persistent infections, such as human cytomegalovirus.
Background:
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infects the population at high incidence, approximately 60% of adults in developed countries and 100% in developing countries. Infection is often asymptomatic and controlled by long-lasting T-cell responses driving the virus to latency. However, sterilizing immunity is not induced, which leaves a potential for reactivation. With recurrence, chronic inflammation and life-threatening disease can occur.
Limited effective approaches exist to target this highly prevalent virus. Through CD3 potentiation, the current invention enhances the expansion of both public and private T-cell clones, responding to antigen-presenting cells and immunodominant peptides from HCMV. This invention demonstrates a novel strategy for the prevention and treatment of HCMV and other chronic infectious diseases.
Applications:
Can be used as alone or as an adjuvant to other immunotherapies
Advantages:
Enhances clonal expansion of several T-cell classes with a unique response pattern, depending on antigen weakness and T-cell receptor status
Patent Status
Patent Pending
State of Development
Preclinical
Inventors
Diana Gil Pages, Adam G. Schrum
Publications:
Becher LRE, Nevala WK, Sutor SL, et al. Public and private human T-cell clones respond differentially to HCMV antigen when boosted by CD3 potentiation. Blood Adv. 2020;4(21):5343-5356.
Technology Manager:
Brian Buntaine, MS, MBA
Senior Manager, Technology Transfer
Phone: 573-882-0470
Email: buntaineb@missouri.edu
Contact Information:
Name: Brian Buntaine, MS, MBA
Title: Senior Manager, Technology Transfer
Department: MU Technology Advancement Office
Email: buntaineb@missouri.edu
Phone: 573-882-0470
Address: Columbia, Missouri 65211