Technology ID
TAB-4964

Development of Multivalent Peptide Tolerogen for Therapeutic Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

E-Numbers
E-173-2017-0
Lead Inventor
Lenardo, Michael
Lead IC
NIAID
Co-Inventors
Zheng, Lixin
ICs
NIAID
Applications
Therapeutics
Research Materials
Diagnostics
Therapeutic Areas
Rare/Neglected Diseases
Neurology
Immunology
Development Stages
Discovery
Research Products
Plasmids/Vectors
Human Cell Lines
Antibodies

The technology pertains to a novel multivalent peptide tolerogen designed for the therapeutic treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a condition where the immune system erroneously attacks the central nervous system. This advanced therapeutic strategy involves a fusion-peptide composed of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), myelin-basic protein (MBP), and myelin proteolipid protein (PLP), along with myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG). This composition is tailored to specifically target and mitigate the activity of autoimmune T cells responsible for the pathological process in MS, without affecting other immune system functions. The inclusion of MAG is particularly significant as it broadens the scope of major antigenic epitopes covered, potentially enhancing the efficacy of MS tolerance induction. This discovery is at the initial 'Discovery' stage, indicating that it is in the early phases of identifying and understanding the mechanisms and benefits of the proposed treatment.

 

Commercial Applications
The potential applications of the multivalent peptide tolerogen are vast and transformative within the realm of autoimmune disease management, particularly for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Beyond MS, this technology has the potential to be adapted to address a spectrum of autoimmune disorders where pathogenic T cells play a pivotal role, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and type 1 diabetes. Its specificity in targeting autoimmune T cells offers a promising avenue for developing personalized medicine strategies, minimizing off-target effects and maximizing therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, the underlying principles of this tolerogen could inspire novel prophylactic treatments that may prevent the onset of autoimmune diseases in high-risk individuals. The research could also catalyze advancements in immunological research by providing a platform for studying the mechanisms of immune tolerance and the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases, thereby broadening its utility to both therapeutic and research-based applications.

Competitive Advantages
The competitive advantage of this cutting-edge multivalent peptide tolerogen lies in its strategic design, which combines multiple myelin-derived peptides to create a more comprehensive approach to inducing tolerance in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). By targeting a broader range of antigenic epitopes—thanks to the inclusion of MAG (myelin-associated glycoprotein)—it promises enhanced efficacy over existing therapies that may only focus on singular antigens. This multifaceted tolerogen approach could lead to a more robust and durable immune tolerance, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of MS relapses. Moreover, this peptide tolerogen is crafted to target only the pathological autoimmune T cells, which may reduce the overall immune suppression risk, leading to a better safety profile. The technology is at the forefront of therapeutic innovation, potentially setting a new standard for MS treatment modalities and positioning it as a strong candidate for future clinical development and market leadership.
Licensing Contact:
Prabhu, Yogikala
yogikala.prabhu@nih.gov