Method of Inducing Memory B Cell Development and Terminal Differentiation
Description of Invention:
Cytokines exert their respective biochemical and physiological effects by binding to specific receptor molecules, which then stimulate signal transduction pathways. Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a type I cytokine whose receptor is expressed on T, B, and NK cells.
This invention specifically relates to the use of IL-21 to induce differentiation of immature B cells into memory B cells and plasma cells. This invention includes claims of methods for inducing differentiation of a B cell progenitor into memory B cells and/or plasma cells. It also includes claims for enhancing an immune response, treating subjects that lack memory B cells and plasma cells and methods for increasing or decreasing the number of B cells. This invention could conceivably be used in treating or preventing inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, allergies, transplant rejection, cancer, and other immune system disorders.
Inventors:
Peter E. Lipsky (NIAMS) et al.
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-120-2003/2 --
U.S. Patent No. 7,378,276 issued 27 May 2008
Portfolios: Internal Medicine Cancer
Cancer -Therapeutics-Immunomodulators and Immunostimulants Internal Medicine-Diagnostics-Anti-Inflammatory (including Autoimmune) Internal Medicine-Therapeutics-Anti-Inflammatory (including Autoimmune) Cancer -Therapeutics Internal Medicine-Diagnostics Internal Medicine-Therapeutics
For Additional Information Please Contact: Jennifer Wong
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301)435-4633
Email: wongje@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301)402-0220
