Immunotherapy of Autoimmune Disease by co-transfection of Antigen Presenting Cells

Immunologic tolerance to self antigens is a necessary mechanism for protecting an organism from destruction by its own immune system. A number of diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Lupis, Myathenia Gravis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis have been shown to result from malfunctions in the mechanisms that regulate tolerance to self antigens. Fas ligand (CD95L) plays a substantial role in both the regulation and effecter function of the immune system, as well as in the maintenance of immunologic privilege by inducing apoptosis in activated T cells through the process of activation induced cell death (AICD). Gelatin nanoparticles are virus sized gelatin-protein-DNA complexes which can encapsulate multiple DNA vectors and proteins, and which are thought to act by increasing in vivo transfection of antigen presenting cells. Johns Hopkins University scientists have discovered that injecting mice with gelatin nanoparticles containing a murine Fas ligand (CD95L) DNA vector and a B-Galatosidase (LacZ) model antigen vector caused the ablation of the T cell response specific for B-gal without affecting the response to a secondary antigen. In effect, this �tolerization� injection induces antigen specific peripheral tolerance in study mice, and is applicable to the treatment of autoimmune diseases when self-antigens such as Myelin Basis Protein are co-delivered with the Fas ligand. There is a continuing need for methods and tools for treating autoimmune diseases, as well as allergic diseases and transplantation rejection. Description (Set) Proposed Use (Set) This invention is a therapeutic method of ablating or reducing the pathological immune response, such as an autoimmune response, allergic response, or transplant rejection. Patent (Set) WO 00/59538; EP 1165125; 773279

Inventor(s): Leong, Kam W

Type of Offer: Licensing



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