Use of IL-13 Inhibitors to Prevent Tumor Recurrence
Description of Invention:
This invention relates to the discovery of a role for IL-13 in the down-regulation of tumor immunosurveillance. Using a mouse model in which tumors show a growth-regression-recurrence pattern, the mechanisms for down-regulation of cytotoxic T lymphocyte-mediated tumor immunosurveillance was investigated. It was discovered that interleukin 4 receptor (IL-4R) knockout mice, and downstream signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) knockout mice, but not IL-4 knockout mice, resisted tumor recurrence. Thus, IL-13, the only other cytokine that uses the IL-4R-STAT6 pathway, was discovered to have a role in the down-regulation of tumor immunosurveillance. The use of an IL-13 inhibitor confirmed these results.
Additionally, loss of natural killer T cells (NKT cells) in CD1 knockout mice resulted in decreased IL-13 production and resistance to recurrence. Therefore, NKT cells and IL-13, possibly produced by NKT cells and signaling through the IL-4R-STAT6 pathway, are necessary for down-regulation of tumor immunosurveillance. Thus, the inventors have discovered a method of inhibiting tumor growth which comprises the administration of an IL-13 inhibitor. This invention is described in PCT application, PCT Publication No. WO 02/055100.
Inventors:
Jay Berzofsky et al. (NCI)
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-037-2001/1 --
PCT Application No. PCT/US01/51339 filed 22 Oct 2001, which published as WO 02/055100 on 18 Jul 2002
Licensing Status: This technology is available for licensing on a non-exclusive basis.
Portfolios: Cancer
Cancer -Therapeutics
For Additional Information Please Contact: Surekha Vathyam Ph.D.
Office of Technology Transfer
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Phone: 301/435-4076
Email: vathyams@mail.nih.gov
Fax: 301/402-0220
