Technology ID
TAB-1338

Method of Inducing Memory B Cell Development and Terminal Differentiation

E-Numbers
E-120-2003-2
Co-Inventors
Lipsky, Peter
Applications
Therapeutics
Research Materials
Diagnostics
Therapeutic Areas
Oncology
Immunology
Lead IC
NHLBI
Cytokines exert their respective biochemical and physiological effects by binding to specific receptor molecules, which then stimulate signal transduction pathways. Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a type I cytokine whose receptor is expressed on T, B, and NK cells.

This invention specifically relates to the use of IL-21 to induce differentiation of immature B cells into memory B cells and plasma cells. This invention includes claims of methods for inducing differentiation of a B cell progenitor into memory B cells and/or plasma cells. It also includes claims for enhancing an immune response, treating subjects that lack memory B cells and plasma cells and methods for increasing or decreasing the number of B cells. This invention could conceivably be used in treating or preventing inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, allergies, transplant rejection, cancer, and other immune system disorders.
Licensing Contact:
Kolesnitchenko, Vincent
vk5q@nih.gov