Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using genetically engineered T-cell receptors (TCRs) is a promising cancer treatment. These TCRs target genetic mutations unique to patients and play an important role in tumor regression. However, mutation-reactive T-cells and their TCRs can be difficult to identify and isolate from patients. Therefore, we need more efficient methods of isolating mutation-reactive T-cells for use with ACT. 

Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have developed a novel method of isolating mutation-reactive T-cells from a patient’s peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). The researchers found that mutation-reactive T-cells in the PBL are enriched with various markers including CD8, programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), and T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3). These T-cells and their TCRs can be isolated from the blood and then administered to patients as a cancer therapeutic.

The National Cancer Institute, Surgery Branch, is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize this method of isolating mutation-reactive T-cells from peripheral blood.

Competitive Advantages:

• Applicable to patients without tumors available for resection
• More cost effective compared to surgical resection for procurement of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes

Commercial Applications:

• Personalized immunotherapy to treat cancer patients
• Research tool to identify T-cells and TCRs targeting patient-specific mutation