Expedient Method Of Obtaining High Numbers Of Dendritic Cells

Larta Institute
posted on 10/10/2007

Technology Description:
UCSD researchers have found a way to produce unlimited numbers of progenitor cells that have the capability to be differentiated into mature dendritic cells, macrophages, and neutrophils when directed to do so. This method is based on a reversible expression of an oncoprotein, leading to the immortalization and non-differentiation of the progenitor cells. Upon the inactivation of the oncoprotein, the progenitor cells are able to differentiate into mature dendritic cells.

UCLA researchers developed a method of differentiating these precursor cells. This differentiation process involves treating the precursor cells with granulocyte-macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-4 (IL-4).
Following this cytokine treatment, cells have been found to display markers characteristic of dendritic cells. This cytokine combination therapy has already been used in humans in preclinical testing.

Combined, Combining the methodologies from UCSD and UCLA researchers promises to provide unlimited numbers of fully differentiated, mature dendritic cells for research and therapeutic purposes.

Technology Background:
Dendritic cells are critical players in immune response, communicating with each other and with T and B cells in order to induce activation and recruitment of more inflammatory cells, leading to the killing of the invader and protection of surrounding tissues; they also play a crucial role in establishing long-term protective immunity and down-regulating the immune response once the threat has been eliminated. Thus, many cases of human diseases, such as infections and tumors, are thought to arise from a limited number of dendritic cells. Furthermore, these cells can be chronically activated, causing a range of human diseases such as autoimmune disease, liver cirrhosis, arthritis and others. Due to the extensive role that dendritic cells play in the immune response and human disease in general, they are frequently a target of a large number of academic and industrial research, drug screening, and therapy applications. Unfortunately, because dendritic cells are nonmitotic, harvesting these cells can be expensive and time-consuming.

Advantages

• Pharmaceutical investigations
• Research on dendritic cell role in human inflammatory diseases
• Dendritic-cell-based immunotherapy

Innovation Details

File Number: B-113

Other Information:

Intellectual Property:
At least a portion of this combination is protected by US Patent 6,838,081 and US/foreign Patent Applications; other rights may also pertain.

Additional Information:
Technology Bundling Project
Funded by Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and administered by Larta Institute, the Project’s expert panels examined technologies from 18 Southern California research centers and identified inventions which could be synergistically combined for unique solutions. These Linked-Solutions are now being offered for license, with reduced red tape and “1-stop technology shopping”.

IP Protection