Novel Peptide Drug enhancing Immune Response in Patients suffering from Immune Suppression and Leukopenia
Referenznummer TO 03-00207b
Challenge
Immune suppression, characterized by T cell defects, is a primary syndrome in patients with HIV/AIDS or chronic leukaemias, but also occurs as a secondary effect in patient upon treatment with cytotoxic compounds e.g. in cancer therapy. While Neutropenia is effectively treated by injection of G-CSF, no therapy exists to date which can specifically restore or enhance long-lasting T cell function.
Technology
The technology relates to CD3kappa, a novel soluble splice variant of CD3delta, stabilizing T cell receptor (TCR) on cell surfaces. 48 h treatment of PBMC in vitro increases TCR expression up to 25-fold. In PBMC from immune suppressed patients, TCR expression is restored back to the normal level under CD3kappa treatment. Besides, the factor modulates cell surface marker ex-pression and induces a long-lasting chemokine- and cytokine secretion. These features support an enhanced antigen-dependent T-cell-activation and a switch to a Th1-directed immune response. Such stabilization of endogenous TCRs positively enhances the immune status of immune suppressed individuals. As a peptide naturally present in activated T lymphocytes the peptide will not be immunogenic per se. Furthermore, CD3kappa can easily be synthesized with solid phase peptide synthesizers and is therefore perfectly suited for in vivo applications, escaping the tremendous regulations which must be fulfilled with recombinant pharmaceuticals.
Commercial Opportunity
Exclusive in-licensing opportunity for the clinical drug development
Patent Situation
An international patent application (WO 2007/147630) is pending.
