NIH inventors have developed the first known method of producing Regulatory B-cells (Bregs) ex-vivo. There is a great need to supplement the low population of Bregs in a patient suffering from an autoimmune disease where Breg levels are severely reduced, such as uveitis.  

This method involves treating isolated primary B-cells or B-cell lines with IL-35 to induce their conversion into IL-10, producing Bregs. This method allows Bregs to be produced in large quantities for use in a Breg-based therapy against autoimmune diseases.

• The competitive advantages of this technology include:
• There is no known biological or chemical agent that can induce Bregs ex-vivo.
• This method produces large quantities of Bregs and can therefore aid in Breg-based therapy.
• Pre-clinical mouse model data available that uses the Bregs to treat experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU).

Commercial applications of this technology include:

• In vivo modulation of Breg levels.
• Supplement the low population of Bregs in a patient suffering from an autoimmune disease, where it is known that B-regulatory cell populations are severely reduced (i.e. uveitis). 
• Use in immunotherapy for the treatment of other autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, sarcoidosis, colitis, and arthritis. 
   

If you are interested in licensing or collaborating on this technology, please view the abstract here: Ex-vivo Production of Regulatory B-Cells for Use in Auto-immune Diseases