Novel Form of Interleukin-15, Fc-IL-15, and Methods of Use
Description of Invention:
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a potent cytokine that enhances host immune system function by proliferating and activating leukocytes. IL-15 increases innate immunity and CD8 memory. The investigators fused IL-15 with protein Fc, a fragment of immunoglobulin. The new fused moiety, Fc-IL-15, has a longer half life in vivo than naturally occurring IL-15 in a gene therapy setting and has more potent anti-tumor effects than IL-15 in some mouse tumor models. The new moiety can serve as an alternative to IL-15, particularly if long term delivery is essential for a therapy. The moiety can serve as a therapeutic for both tumors and viral infections. The moiety can include peptide linkers such as, for example, a T cell inert sequence or a non-immunogenic sequence.
Inventors:
Morihiro Watanabe et al. (NCI)
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-296-2004/0 -- Research Materials Licensing Status: Available for non-exclusive licensing under a Biological Materials License Agreement.
Portfolios: Cancer
Cancer -Diagnostics-In Vitro-Other Cancer -Therapeutics-Biological Response Modifiers-Cytokines Cancer -Diagnostics Cancer -Therapeutics
For Additional Information Please Contact: Jennifer Wong
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
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