Novel T-Cell Immunotherapy Using Nanoparticles

U.A.H. patent 17013

Docket: UAH-P-17013

Technology

Immune systems play a key role in being the first line of defense against infections and cancers. One of the major components of immune systems are T-cells which recognize peptides created by infectious pathogens and cancer-related mutated self-proteins and then eliminate the infected cells or cancer cells.

Researchers at UAH have developed a novel T-cell immunotherapy using nanoparticles. This technology employs nanoparticles that can bridge the T-cells and target cells. The nanoparticles can redirect a T-cell population that recognizes a known antigenic peptide to a target cell population that expresses any specific proteins (e.g. cancer-related antigens).

The technology developed at UAH allows for different ways of combining the nanoparticles with the T-cells in the body. This method involves isolating the T-cells from the patient, introducing the nanoparticles to T-cell membranes via an ex-vivo process, and then transferring them back to the patient’s system. It allows for early treatment of potentially harmful illnesses as well as lasting efficacy. If a patient diagnosed with a disease were treated using this technology, the nanoparticles would condition the T-cells to fight against specific diseased cells. This would provide the patient the ability to fight off the disease more efficiently.

Applications

  • Immunotherapy
  • Adoptive T-cell therapy
  • Cancer treatment
  • Medical field

Advantages

  • More effective
  • Cheaper than conventional technologies
  • Early intervention
  • Versatility

Status

  • State of Development: In development
  • Licensing Status: Available for licensing
  • Patent Status: Patent Pending