Dual Specific Anti-CD22 Anti-CD19 Chimeric Antigen Receptors

Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) combine an antibody-based binding domain (and single chain fragment variable region, scFv) with T cell receptor signaling domains (CD3 zeta with a costimulatory domain, typically CD28 or 41BB). When T cells express CARs, they are activated in a major histocompatibility complex- (MHC-) independent manner to kill tumor cells expressing the target to which the scFv binds.   CAR T cells targeting the B cell antigen CD19 have resulted in remissions in 60-80% of patients with pre-B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL). However, not all patients respond, and relapses occur in 10% or more of patients who receive anti-CD19 CAR therapy for acute lymphoblas tic leukemia (ALL) - primarily due to the loss of the CD19 epitope. Thus, there is a need for advanced therapeutic options to treat those patients who either relapse or are non-responders.   To overcome these current limitations, the National Cancer Institute ’s Pediatric Oncology Branch (NCI POB) developed an active CD19/CD22 targeted CAR that is potent at eradicating ALL in xenograft studies (Haso et al, Blood, 2013); a Phase I clinical trial is planned. Targeting two antigens simultaneously could increase CAR potency and prevent antigen-loss escape. The inventors are interested in co-development or licensing opportunities for this technology.IC: NCINIH Ref. No.: E-106-2015Advantages: Large market for immunotherapies to treat ALL, an aggressive form of leukemi...
Source: NIH OTT Licensing Opportunities - Category: Research Authors: Source Type: research