Interleukin-35 (IL-35) (SJ-06-0016)

St. Jude Reference #SJ-06-0016

Description

IL-35 is an inhibitory cytokine discovered to be specifically produced by regulatory T cells (Treg cells) and integral to their suppressive activity. Ectopic expression of IL-35 confers regulatory activity on naïve T cells, while recombinant IL-35 suppresses T cell proliferation.

Methods for modulating the immune system through IL35 inhibition based on this discovery are claimed.  IL35 can be inhibited through use of an antibody or small molecule inhibitor.   These methods inhibit Treg cell activity and can be used, for example, to overcome a suppressed immune response to a cancer vaccine.

Keywords

Cancer, T cell, virus, vaccine, IL-35, Interleukin

Granted patents or published applications

U.S. patents 8,784,807; 9,217,135; 9,518,113

Related scientific references

Collison LW, Workman CJ, Kuo TT, Boyd K, Wang Y, Vignali KM, Cross R, Sehy D, Blumberg RS, and Vignali DAA. (2007) The inhibitory cytokine IL-35 contributes to regulatory T cell function. Nature 450 (7169): 566-9.

Licensing opportunities

We are currently seeking a partner to commercialize all aspects of this technology. Contact: chad.riggs@stjude.org.

Contact the Office of Technology Licensing (Phone: 901-595-2342, Fax: 901-595-3148) for more information.