HLA-class II-restricted T Cell Receptors for PIK3CA “Hotspot” Mutations, E545K and N345K

Summary: 

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) seeks co-development partners and/or licensees for a collection of T cell receptors (TCRs) that specifically target PIK3CA mutations to treat patients with tumors expressing these mutations in the context of HLA-DPA1*01:03:01, HLA-DPB1*04:01:01 or HLA-DRB1*04:01.

Description of Technology:

Methods and Compositions for Treating Genetically Linked Diseases of the Eye

X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) is an inherited, monogenetic ocular disease caused by mutations in the retinoschisin (RS1) gene, resulting in the development of cystic cavities throughout the retina and leading to juvenile macular degeneration. Approximately 1:15,000 males in the US are affected, classifying the condition as an orphan indication. 

Treatment of Oculocutaneous/Ocular Albinism and for Increasing Pigmentation

Albinism (also called achromia, achromasia, or achromatosis) is a congenital disorder characterized by the complete or partial absence of pigment in the skin, hair and eyes due to absence or defect in any one of a number of proteins involved in the production of melanin.  Certain forms of albinism are known to be due to mutations in tyrosine metabolism.  In oculocutaneous albinism (OCA), pigment is lacking in the eyes, skin and hair.  In ocular albinism, only the eyes lack pigment.  Patients with albinism experience varying degrees of vision loss associated with foveal h

Sensitive and Economic RNA Virus Detection Using a Novel RNA Preparation Method

DNA or RNA-based diagnostic tests for infectious diseases are critical in modern medicine. The current gold standard for COVID-19 detection is testing SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA by quantitative reverse transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). This method involves patient sample collection with a nasopharyngeal swab, storage of the swab in a universal transport medium during transport to testing site, RNA extraction, and analysis of the extracted RNA sample.

Dual Specific Anti-CD22 Anti-CD19 Bicistronic Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs)

Treatment of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoma using chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) targeting B-cell surface protein CD19 has demonstrated impressive clinical results in children and young adults. Despite the promising results from CD19 CAR therapy, up to 40% of patients, who initially achieve remission, eventually relapse. Relapse or non-response to CD19-directed CAR therapy may be due to low or diminished CD19 expression. Such patients would be predicted to benefit from CAR therapies targeting other B-cell surface proteins, such as CD22.

Chimeric Antigen Receptors to CD22 for Treating Hematological Cancers

Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are hybrid proteins consisting of an antibody binding fragment fused to protein signaling domains that cause T-cells which express the CAR to become cytotoxic.  Once activated, these cytotoxic T-cells can selectively eliminate the cells which they recognize via the antibody binding fragment of the CAR.  Thus, by engineering a T-cell to express a CAR that is specific for a certain cell surface protein, it is possible to selectively target those cells for destruction.  This promising new therapeutic approach is known as adoptive cell therapy.