The Method to Enhance Death of Cancer Cells

Abstract (Set) B7-H1 is an immunoglobulin-like immune suppressive molecule broadly detectable on the majority of human and rodent cancers and its functions have been attributed to delivering an inhibitory signal to its counter-receptor programmed death-1 (PD-1) on T cells. JHU scientists have discovered a novel mechanism of action by which cancer escapes from therapeutics, leading to the establishment of a new target on cancer cells to enhance death of cancer cells. B7-H1 on cancer cells receives a signal from PD-1 to rapidly induce resistance against T cell-mediated killing because crippling signaling capacity of B7-H1 but not PD-1 ablates this resistance. Importantly, loss of B7-H1 signaling is accompanied by increased susceptibility to immune mediated tumoricidal activity. This work reveals a new mechanism: that cancer cells utilize receptors on immune cells as ligands to induce resistance to therapy. Description (Set) Proposed Use (Set) The commercial applications for this technology include the use of agents of this pathway to induce or increase tumor death.

Inventor(s): Chen, Lieping

Type of Offer: Licensing



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