Summary: 
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) seeks co-development partners and/or licensees for a method of identifying and selectively expanding neoantigen-specific T cells.

Description of Technology: 
Somatic mutations are spontaneous changes in the DNA sequence of somatic cells which drive the development of most cancers. These somatic mutations may also create neoantigens, newly formed antigens that can be recognized by T cells. Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) and T cell receptor- (TCR-) engineered T cell therapies (TCR-T) can be used to target cells expressing these neoantigens and treat cancer patients. Traditionally, TCR-T or tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) cell therapy products utilize an in vitro expansion step in their manufacture called a rapid expansion protocol (REP). However, recent evidence suggests that conventional REPs reduce the frequency of neoantigen-reactive T cells in the final product, which may diminish treatment efficacy.

Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have developed a method to identify and selectively expand neoantigen-specific T cells, including TCR-T and TIL-based products. This method, termed “NeoExpand,” promotes the selective growth of neoantigen-reactive T cells and, additionally, enables the sensitive identification of novel neoantigen-reactive TCRs.

The NCI seeks co-development partners and/or licensees. As “NeoExpand” provides a novel method of identify and selectively expanding neoantigen-specific T cells, this technology may be particularly appealing to companies developing cell therapies.

Potential Commercial Applications: 

•    Manufacturing method for ACT products
•    Manufacturing method for TCR-T products
•    Discovery engine for the isolation of neoantigen-specific TCRs

Competitive Advantages:

•    Increase the efficacy of immunotherapies treating cancer
•    Identify neoantigen-specific T cells
•    Selectively expand neoantigen-specific T cells