Drug-Regulatable, Inducible Expression of Membrane-Bound Interleukin 12 (DRIM-IL-12) for Use in Adoptive Cell Therapy

Summary: 

Scientists at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have developed a novel tightly regulated drug-responsive, membrane-bound IL-12 cytokine platform, that enhances anti-tumor efficacy in adoptive cell therapy (ACT) with engineered T-cells (CAR, TCR, TILs) while improving safety. The NCI seeks research co-development partners and/or licensees to advance this technology toward clinical translation. 

Chimeric Adaptor Proteins (CAPs) Containing a Linker for Activation of T Cells (LAT) and a Kinase Domain for Use in T Cell-Based Immunotherapy

T cell immunotherapy is used in the treatment of various pathologies – including cancers and infections. Current therapies employ chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) consisting of the intracellular fragment of CD3-zeta as the signaling domain with varied combinations of co-stimulatory, transmembrane, spacer/hinge, and extracellular targeting domains. While effective in treating hematological malignancies, CAR T cells need to be activated through T cell receptor (TCR) activation.

T Cell Receptor Targeting CD22 for the Treatment of Lymphomas and Leukemias

Description of Technology:

CD22 is a protein expressed by normal B cells and B-lymphoid malignancies. Its limited tissue expression pattern makes it a safe antigen for targeted therapies, such as T-cell Receptor (TCR)-T cell therapy. CD22-targeting therapies already on the market, mainly antibody-immunotoxin conjugates and chimeric antigen receptors (CAR)-T cells, have limitations such as resistance to treatment and/or side effects. Resistance mechanisms to the current CD22 therapies involve loss or modulation of target antigen on the cell surface.

First in class Small Molecule Agonists of the mammalian Relaxin family receptor 1 (RXFP1) and use in treatment of cancer, fibrotic, and vascular disorders (HHS Ref No. E-145-2024-0-US-02)

It is well documented in literature that activation of RXFP1 by relaxin induces: 1) up-regulation of the endothelin system which leads to vasodilation; 2) extracellular matrix remodeling through regulation of collagen deposition, cell invasiveness, proliferation, and overall tissue homeostasis; 3) a moderation of inflammation by reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-a and TGF-b; and 4) angiogenesis by activating transcription of VEGF.