Use of Multivalent Chimeric Peptide-loaded, MHC/lg Molecules to Detect, Activate or Suppress Antigen-Specific, T Cell-Dependent Immune Responses

Antigen-specific T cells play major roles in both normal physiologic immune responses as well as in many disease states. They are central in the immune response to a variety of pathogens including bacterial, viral and protozoal infection. Hyperactivation of antigen-specific T cells targeted toward self antigens is the underlying basis for the majority of autoimmune diseases including: multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and diabetes. Conversely, inactivity of tumor antigen-specific T cells may allow tumors to grow. Secondary to a wide variety of different physiologic and pathophysiologic responses in which specific T cells have been implicated, it is of great interest to be able to track antigen-specific T cells. The ability to track antigen-specific T cells could also lead to better insights into therapeutic selective immunomodulation for both autoimmune diseases and cancer. Description (Set) Proposed Use (Set) The major diagnostic uses include assessment of disease levels and therapy in autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, and allergies. Soluble multivalent MHC-Ig complexes may also be used in testing of efficacy in vaccination strategies for AIDS and cancer. Patent (Set) 6,268,411; WO 99/13095; 6,734,013

Patents:
US 6,268,411

Inventor(s): Schneck, Jonathan

Type of Offer: Licensing



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