Identification of T-Cell Receptors (TCR)

Background:
The NIH National Cancer Institute's Surgery Branch seeks a research partner to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize adoptive immunotherapy therapeutics under a Collaboration Agreement or a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA).

Technology:
Adoptive immunotherapy circumvents a major limitation of the current chemotherapy-based therapeutics, i.e., cytotoxic side-effects. The advertised technology involves substitutions in gene sequences that code for T cell receptors. Specifically, when TCRs that recognize 1G4 XY-ESO-1 and MART-1 are modified with one- to two amino acid substitutions, a marked increase in tumor cell recognition occurs. As a platform technology, the generation of modified TCR directed against a variety of antigens could enhance the function of gene-modified T cells. The mutated sequences are currently being evaluated as candidates for clinical development.

Further R&D Required:
Potential application for Clinical Trial

Potential Application Areas:

• Improved ability of modified TCRs to recognize tumor cell targets.
• Mutant high affinity TR can also be used to transduce T cells in order to generate cells reactive with tumor and viral antigens.

Current State of Development:
High affinity TCRs are being evaluated for use in clinical trials to be carried out in the Surgery Branch, NCI

Patent Status and Relevant Publications:

• U.S. Provisional Application filed Sept. 2006
• Manuscript in preparation

Contact Information:
John D. Hewes, Ph.D., NCI Technology Transfer Center
Phone: 301-435-3121
E-mail: Hewesj@mail.nih.gov

Reference:  #457 EL

Updated 10/24/2007