Application
HPV-specific CD8 TCR sequences for treating HPV-positive head and neck cancer by adoptive cell therapy.
Key Benefits
- HPV tumor antigen set is specific for HPV-positive head and neck cancer.
- We are targeting of ‘non-classical’ HPV antigens E2 and E5.
- Potential to synergize and complement HPV E6/7-specific TCR therapies currently undergoing clinical trials.
Market Summary
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) can infect the skin and the mucosa of the mouth, throat, genitals, and anal area. High-risk HPVs can cause several types of cancer including head and neck cancer. HPV-positive head and neck cancer tumor cells express HPV proteins that can be recognized by CD8 T cells. Emory researchers have identified HPV-specific CD8 T cell epitopes and determined the TCR sequences of HPV-specific CD8 T cells in the tumor and metastasized lymph nodes of 6 patients with HPV+ head and neck cancer. This breakthrough can help improve cancer treatment and therapies for HPV+ head and neck cancer patients and potentially other HPV-associated cancers. The global market for head and neck cancer drugs is expected to reach $2.281 billion by 2025 at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2018-to 2025.
Technical Summary
HPV-positive head and neck cancer tumor cells express HPV proteins that can be recognized by CD8 T cells. Researchers at Emory identified HPV-specific CD8 T cell epitopes derived from the HPV E2 and E5 proteins and determined the TCR sequences of HPV-specific CD8 T cells in the tumor and metastasized lymph nodes of 6 patients with HPV+ head and neck cancer. The analysis pipeline used by the inventors to identify HPV-specific CD8 T cell epitopes consisted of in vitro T cell expansion using predicted epitopes of the most prevalent HPV type and a combination of biological and biochemical analyses culminating in the generation and testing of MHC-I tetramers and determination of the HPV-specific CD8 T cell TCR sequences by single-cell RNAseq.
Developmental Stage
Early-stage.

Website
https://emoryott.technologypublisher.com/techcase/20070
Contact Information
TTO Home Page: https://emoryott.technologypublisher.com
Name: David Mudd
Title: Licensing Associate
Email: dmudd@emory.edu