Agents and methods to elicit anti-tumor immune response

US10822588B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York · US
• The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services · US

Inventors

• Hua Gu · New York, US
• Richard Hodes · Bethesda, US
• Jeffrey J. Chiang · Oshkosh, US
• Ihnkyung Jang · North Palm Beach, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 23, 2019
• Grant date: Nov 3, 2020
• Expiry date: Sep 23, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2500/10
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention provides an isolated, purified population of human cells comprising CD8+ T cells with reduced Cbl-b activity. The invention provides uses of such cells in methods for inducing or enhancing an anti-tumor immune response in a subject. These methods comprise: (a) providing a cell population, from a subject or from another source, which comprises CD8+ T cells, (b) reducing Cbl-b activity in the CD8+ T-cells, (c) administering the cells of step (b) to the subject. The invention provides methods for making CD8+ T cells that do not require stimulation through a co-receptor in order for the cell to become activated or proliferated in response to contact via its T cell receptor. Such methods are based upon reducing function of Cbl-b. The invention also provides methods for identifying agents which affect Cbl-b expression or activity.