Stem Cell Factor-responsive FcepsilonRI Bearing Human Mast Cell Line LAD2

A human mast cell line LAD2 that more closely resembles normal in vivo and in vitro human mast cells by expressing functional FcepsilonRI receptors and responding to stem cell factor (SCF) with proliferation, as described in Leuk Res. 2003 Aug;27(8):677-82 and developed by the laboratory of Dr. Dean Metcalfe at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.  This cell line also releases mediators by cross-linking FcgammaRI (CD64) receptors and express FcgammaRII (CD32).

T Cell Receptor Targeting HPV6 E2 and a Panel of Cos7 Cells Expressing Different HLA Class I Proteins for Use in Validation and Potency Studies

Summary:

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) seeks licensees for this invention comprising (1) a novel T cell receptor (TCR) specific to the E2 protein of Human papillomavirus (HPV) type 6  in the context of the human leukocyte antigen, HLA-B55, and (2) a panel of Cos7 cells expressing different HLA proteins for validation of T cell responses in immunotherapies for low-risk HPV-related diseases such as recurrent respiratory papillomatosis and anogenital condyloma.

Method of Manufacturing Papilloma Infiltrating Lymphocyte (PIL) Cell Therapy Products as a Treatment for Patients with Chronic Viral Infection(s)

Summary:

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) seeks research co-development partners and/or licensees for development of papilloma-infiltrating lymphocytes (PIL) as treatment for patients with chronic human papillomavirus (HPV) 6 or 11 infections.

Methods for Treating or Ameliorating Fibrosis by Inhibiting the Interaction between IL-21 Receptor (IL-21R) and IL-21

This invention includes methods for treating or ameliorating fibrosis by inhibiting the interaction between IL-21 Receptor (IL-21R) and IL-21 using either anti-IL-21R monoclonal antibodies (or binding fragments of anti-IL-21R mAbs), anti-IL-21 monoclonal antibodies (or binding fragments of anti-IL-21 mAbs) or soluble IL-21R (or binding fragments of IL-21R). It is believed that the TH2 immune response, induced by IL-21, plays a major role in the in the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis.

3-o-sulfo-galactosylceramide Analogs for Targeting Lung Metastases

Summary:

Lung metastases represent a major clinical challenge in advanced cancer, with poor survival rates and no effective therapies to prevent their development. Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have developed C24:2, a first-in-class synthetic 3-O-sulfo-galactosylceramide analog. After lysosomal processing by dendritic cells, C24:2 switches immune specificity to activate type I NKT cells, triggering a potent IFN-γ–mediated Th1 response.

Devices for Improved Tissue Cryopreservation and Recovery

Problem: Cryopreservation is a process where living biological materials like cells, tissues, and cell therapies (which are susceptible to damage caused by unregulated chemical kinetics) are preserved by cooling to very low temperatures in the presence of specific cryopreservation media that protects the biological material from damage. In order to be used, the biological material ideally should be thawed in a controlled manner that minimizes damage and desirably brings the material back to a viable state.