Use of Aerosolized anti-TCR Monoclonal Antibodies as a Therapy for Airway Hyperresponsiveness

Tech ID: 01-01

Summary - Researchers at National Jewish Health have discovered that the targeted delivery of anti alpha beta or gamma delta T cells monoclonal antibodies can be used as a means to manipulate T cell-dependent regulation of airway reactivity. They have demonstrated that the use of such antibodies can significantly decrease airway hyperreactivity (AHR) in a mouse model of asthma. Therefore, the use of monoclonal antibodies anti-alpha beta or gamma delta T cells could constitute a treatment for asthma and other allergic diseases of the airways.

Potential Applications - Therapy for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Advantages of Invention

  • Monoclonal antibodies are specific and therefore various subsets of T cell population can be targeted.
  • Low doses of antibody are required.
  • The therapeutical effects of such technique are rapid.
  • The delivery of these antibodies is confined to the airways and does not affect the peripheral immune system.

State of Development - National Jewish Health scientists have demonstrated in a mouse model of asthma that targeted delivery of monoclonal antibodies anti-alpha beta or gamma delta T cells alleviate AHR: In addition, the same decrease in AHR was demonstrated in mice genetically-deficient in cells targeted by these antibodies. The same scientists have also shown that the cellular effects of these antibodies is localized exclusively to the airways and do not spread systemically .

Further R&D Required - Applying this technology to other model systems.

Licensing Potential - This technology is available for licensing.

Patent Status - Published U.S. patent application # 20020172677

Inventors - Willi Born, PhD, Erwin W. Gelfand, MD, Michael Lahn, MD and Arihiko Kanehiro, MD

Publications

For Further Information, Contact:
Emmanuel Hilaire, PhD
Licensing Associate
Intellectual Property and Technology Commercialization Program
National Jewish Health
1400 Jackson Street, Room M206b
Denver, CO 80206
Voice: (303) 398-1262
Fax: (303) 270-2352
HilaireE@njc.org

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