Method for Suppressing CD8+ T Cell Activity using Adeno-Associated Virus

Inventor: Hildegund C. J. Ertl

Tech ID: EH07001

Description: Scientists at The Wistar Institute have developed a recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vector that dampens the immune activity of CD8+ T-cells in an antigen-specific manner.  rAAV vectors are candidates for the delivery of therapeutic genes because they do not cause disease, and, unlike other viral vectors, do not stimulate a significant inflammatory response.  Wistar scientists have shown that rAAV vectors expressing a specific antigen depress the proliferation of CD8+ T cells for that antigen and reduce their production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.  This down-regulation of the immune response is antigen-specific, and confined to CD8+ (cytotoxic) T cells.  CD4+ (helper) T cell functions and antibody production are not influenced by the rAAV vectors.  Importantly, the effect is long lasting, and influences both the primary and recall (or memory) T cell response to the transgene antigen.  rAAV vectors may be useful for downregulating the immune response to treat autoimmune disease or transplant rejection.

Key Words: AAV, transplant rejection, autoimmune disease, immunosuppression

Applications and Advantages: The rAAV construct developed by Wistar’s scientists could be used to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs, as an adjunctive therapy to reduce tissue damage during viral infection (such as by hepatitis B), or in the treatment of autoimmune disease.  Because both primary and memory responses are influenced, the rAAV construct could have both preventive and therapeutic applications.

Intellectual Property Status: This technology is protected by U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/917,730 “Method for Inducing Immunosuppression and Uses Thereof” (Ertl, H.; September 12, 2007

Licensing Opportunity: Wistar is seeking corporate partners to further develop this technology under an exclusive or non-exclusive license, or sponsored research collaboration.

Reference:  Lin et al.; 2007. “Recombinant AAV vectors induce transgene product-specific CD8+ T cells that are functionally impaired”. J. Clin. Invest. 117:  3958-3970

Contact:

Meryle J. Melnicoff
Director, Business Development
The Wistar Institute
3601 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 898-0049
Fax: (215) 573-2456
melnicoff@wistar.org

Last Updated:  Nov 07