Technology ID
TAB-4911
Isolating Potent CD8+ T Cell Receptors from HIV Controllers for Advanced Therapies
E-Numbers
E-096-2019-0
Lead Inventor
Connors, Mark
Lead IC
NIAID
Co-Inventors
Migueles, Stephen
Wong, Hing
Rhode, Peter
ICs
NIAID
Applications
Therapeutics
Research Materials
Diagnostics
Therapeutic Areas
Rare/Neglected Diseases
Infectious Disease
Immunology
Development Stages
Discovery
Research Products
Plasmids/Vectors
Human Cell Lines
Novel CD8+ T cell receptors (TCRs) isolated from elite HIV controllers show unprecedented affinity for conserved HIV epitopes, offering new avenues for direct immunotherapies and T cell engineering. These TCRs exhibit potential for cytotoxicity mediation against HIV-infected cells, with prospects for use in toxin-coupled treatments or as part of engineered T cell therapies. Collaborations, such as with Altor Biosciences, are enhancing these TCRs with proprietary molecules like IL-15, to bolster therapeutic efficacy.
Commercial Applications
These high-affinity TCRs have the potential to revolutionize HIV treatment, with applications ranging from adoptive cell therapies, where T cells are engineered to express these receptors and target the virus more effectively, to the creation of TCR-based biologics. They could also pave the way for the development of new vaccine strategies or serve as research tools to further understand the mechanisms of HIV control. Additionally, the adaptability of these TCRs may allow for their use in other viral infections where antigen conservation is key, showcasing their versatility and broad therapeutic implications.
Competitive Advantages
The isolated TCRs from HIV elite controllers represent a significant leap forward, possessing an unrivaled specificity for conserved HIV sequences. Their high affinity and cytotoxic potential position them at the forefront of immunotherapy, outpacing previous technologies that lacked such precision. The capability to engineer these TCRs into T cells or pair them with cytotoxic agents opens up powerful treatment modalities.
Licensing Contact: