15kD Granulysin for Monocyte Differentiation: A New Immunotherapeutic for Both in vivo and ex vivo Applications

Granulysin is a cytolytic and proinflammatory molecule expressed by activated human cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells. It has been implicated in many of diseases including infection, cancer, transplantation, autoimmunity, skin and reproductive maladies. Small synthetic forms of granulysin are being developed as novel antibiotics and studies suggest that granulysin may be a useful diagnostic biomarker and/or therapeutic for a wide variety of diseases.The invention relates to methods of stimulating or enhancing an immune response using 15 kD granulysin. Investigators at the NIH have discovered that 15 kD granulysin (but not 9 kD granulysin) activates monocytes and induces them to differentiate into mature dendritic cells and activates allospecific T cells. This activation and subsequent differentiation induced by 15 kD granulysin may prove important in inducing or regulating immune responses in a host. Consequently, this invention could be used treat tumors and infections, particularly as an adjuvant for vaccines and immunotherapies. Further, this technology could be used to treat autoimmune disorders and organ transplant rejection.IC: NCINIH Ref. No.: E-158-2009/0TAB No: TAB-2104Advantages: An immune response activator with broad applicability to the treatment of several diseases, including cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, allergies, and infections.Co-administering 15kD granulysin could increase the efficac...
Source: NIH OTT Licensing Opportunities - Category: Research Authors: Source Type: research