Value Proposition:
· This platform improves current methods for expansion of CD4+ T-cells, which could be used in adoptive transfer therapies.
· Improves modulation, activation, and expansion of T cells over current methods used for CAR T-cell therapy
Technology Description
· Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a nanoparticle-based delivery system for ex vivo CD4+ T cell culture.
· The nanoparticles mimic antigen presenting cells (APCs) by displaying MHC-II molecules which activate CD4+ T cells to mount an immune response.
· When combined with soluble co-stimulation signals, this platform can be used to expand cognate CD4+ T-cells and to harness CD4+ functional capabilities toward potent effector functions in vitro and in vivo.
Unmet Need
· T cell-based adaptive cell transfer therapies are a clinically powerful approach for the treatment of hematologic and solid tumor cancers as well as other conditions.
· The current gold standard is CAR T-cell therapy.
· While there has been great clinical success using this approach, the modification and expansion of the T cells ex vivo is expensive and time intensive.
· Many other synthetic approaches are being explored to expand and prime T cells.
· However, most focus on the CD8+ “killer” T-cells despite the fact that CD4+ “helper” T-cells are similarly essential for an effective immune response.
· Therefore, there is a need to develop methods for efficient expansion, transfection, and general modulation of T-cells, with a particular need for CD4+-focused technologies.
Stage of Development
The technology has been tested in small animal models.
Data Availability
Data can be found here: Nanoparticle-based modulation of CD4+ T cell effector and helper functions enhances adoptive immunotherapy
Publication
Isser, A., Silver, A.B., Pruitt, H.C. et al. Nanoparticle-based modulation of CD4+ T cell effector and helper functions enhances adoptive immunotherapy. Nat Commun 13, 6086 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-33597-y
