Molecular complexes which modify immune responses

US6458354B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · US

Inventors

• Jonathan Schneck · Silver Spring, US
• Sean O'Herrin · Baltimore, US
• Michael Lebowitz · Pikesville, US
• Abdel Hamad · Ellicott City, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 25, 2000
• Grant date: Oct 1, 2002
• Expiry date: Oct 11, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12N2799/026
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Extracellular domains of transmembrane heterodimeric proteins, particularly T cell receptor and major histocompatibility complex proteins, can be covalently linked to the heavy and light chains of immunoglobulin molecules to provide soluble multivalent molecular complexes with high affinity for their cognate ligands. The molecular complexes can be used, inter alia, to detect and regulate antigen-specific T cells and as therapeutic agents for treating disorders involving immune system regulation, such as allergies, autoimmune diseases, tumors, infections, and transplant rejection.