A Novel Interleukin-12 (IL-12) Inducing Protein Isolated from Toxoplasma gondii Inflammatory Profilin (TGIP)
Description of Invention:
Available for licensing and commercial development is a patent pending technology for identifying and isolating a novel interleukin-12 (IL-12) inducing protein isolated from Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), and to methods of using this protein for modulating immune responses. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is critical in host resistance to many pathogens and also has potent anti-tumor effects on certain IFN-gamma sensitive tumors. IL-12 triggers the synthesis of IFN-gamma, thus compounds that stimulate IL-12 production are likely to contribute to stimulation of host resistance to pathogens and IFN-gamma sensitive tumors.
The isolated protein, Toxoplasma gondii Inflammatory Profilin (TGIP), also known as PFTG (Profilin Toxoplasma gondii) binds to Toll-like receptor 11 (TLR 11) and induces dendritic cell IL-12 production. The patent as filed discloses isolated TGIP polypeptide sequences, fusion proteins comprising a TGIP and antigen polypeptide portions, isolated nucleic acids encoding a fusion protein, and a promoter-linked polynucleotide encoding TGIP. Also described are methods for inducing a IL-12 response, a method for administering isolated TGIP for the treatment of pathogenic infection, a method for treating an IFN-gamma sensitive cancer in a subject and methods for enhancing immune response against an antigen in a subject. Also with the scope of the invention are anti-TGIP antibodies. Since IL-12 also has other immunostimulatory effects, further identification of IL-12 inducing compounds will be useful for the design of immunostimulatory and adjuvant agents.
Inventors:
Alan Sher and Felix Yarovinsky (NIAID)
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-046-2005/0-US-01 -- U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/641,429 filed 06 Jan 2005
Relevant Publication:
This research is described in Yarovinsky et al., “LR11 activation of dendritic cells by a protozoan profilin-like protein,” Science 2005 Jun 10; 308(5728):1626-9. Epub 2005 Apr 28.
Licensing Status:
In addition to licensing, the technology is available for further development through collaborative research opportunities with the inventors.
Portfolios: Miscellaneous Infectious Diseases Cancer
For Additional Information Please Contact: Michael Shmilovich J.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301) 435-5019
Email: shmilovm@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
