Activation and expansion of T-cells using an engineered multivalent signaling platform as a research tool

US7745140B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania · US

Inventors

• Carl H. June · Yeadon, US
• James L. Riley · Downingtown, US
• Marcela Maus · Lansdowne, US
• Anna Thomas · Glückstadt, DE
• Robert Vonderheide · Yeadon, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 13, 2003
• Grant date: Jun 29, 2010
• Expiry date: Mar 24, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12N2510/04
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Provided are a system and methods for selectively inducing expansion of a population of T cells in the absence of exogenous growth factors, such as lymphokines, and accessory cells for research purposes. The cell based expansion system and methods permit the long-term growth of CTLs, preferably human CTLs. In addition, T cell proliferation can be induced without the need for antigen, thus providing an expanded T cell population that is polyclonal with respect to antigen reactivity. Further provided are methods for using the system and methods to screen and identify antigens related to specific diseases or conditions, tumors, autoimmune disorders, or an infectious disease or pathogen, and to identify target molecule for research purposes, or for developing a vaccine based thereon.