Description:
- Improves the efficacy of current immunotherapies by individually targeting T cell receptors proteins
- Creates a therapy that boasts a higher chance of survival compared to the standard of care for acute myeloid leukemia
Abstract
USC researchers created genetically engineered exosomes (SMART-Exos) that display two distinct monoclonal antibodies targeting the cancerous myeloid cells. The SMART-Exos are capable to engage cytotoxic T cells to leukemia cells, and thereby stimulate AML-specific immune responses. That leads to T cell-mediated tumor cell killing. Engineering exosomes for AML cancer immunotherapy could lend further support to the state-of-the-art concept of exosomes as attractive immunotherapy candidates in preclinical and clinical development.
Benefit
- Improves the efficacy of current immunotherapies by individually targeting T cell receptors proteins
- Creates a therapy that boasts a higher chance of survival compared to the standard of care for acute myeloid leukemia
Market Application
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells, characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal cells that build up in the bone marrow and blood and interfere with normal blood cells. AML progresses rapidly and is typically fatal within weeks or months if left untreated. AML typically is initially treated with chemotherapy, with the aim of inducing remission.
The current treatments for AML (chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants) are lacking, with relapse being a major concern. In general, all remissions will fail without additional consolidation therapy and the chance of survival is under 25%.
Publications
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2018, 140, 16413-16417
Springer Nature 2020, Methods in Molecular Biology, vol. 2097, 197 – 209.
Other
Stage of Development:
- Successful proof-of-concept prototype developed
- In-vivo evaluation in relevant animal models
IP Status: US Patent pending