Technology ID
TAB-996
Multimeric Protein Toxins to Target Cells Having Multiple Identifying Characteristics
E-Numbers
E-059-2004-0
Co-Inventors
Leppla, Stephen
Liu, Shihui
Bugge, Thomas
Applications
Therapeutics
Diagnostics
Therapeutic Areas
Oncology
Immunology
Lead IC
NIAID
This technology relates to multimeric bacterial protein toxins which can be used to specifically target cells. Specifically, this is a modified recombinant anthrax toxin protective antigen (PrAg) that has been modified in several ways. First, the PrAg can be activated both by a metalloproteinase (MMP) and by urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA). Second, the native PrAg lethal factor (LF) binding site has been modified so that only a modified PrAg comprising two different monomers can bind anthrax LF. When administered with an effector component, the recombinant anthrax toxins are toxic only to cells expressing both a MMP and uPA on their surface. This technology is therefore useful for selective methods of treating cancers, because many cancer cells express multiple cell-surface proteases.
Licensing Contact: