Method for predicting T-cell development stage (and therapy success) (SJ-19-0033)

St. Jude Reference #SJ-19-0033

Description

Researchers at St. Jude have invented a bioinformatic tool that enables accurate prediction of a T cell’s developmental potential – Multipotency Index. This tool was generated by establishing a large collection of DNA methylation profiles from a variety of human CD8 T cells at varying stages of differentiation. From these DNA methylation profiles, a core index was generated that can predict the T cells stage of development. 

This tool can be used by companies that generate T cell-based therapies to identify products that will generate a long-lived robust response to a tumor or chronic infection and characterize the establishment of a long-lived functional memory T cell population that can provide protection against antigen reencounter. 

Keywords

T cell, differentiation status, epigenetic modification, DNA methylation, biomarker, Multipotency Index, CD8, antigen reencounter (antigen+ tumor relapse or viral re-infection). 

Granted patents or published applications

Pending US and published as WO 2020/170231 A1

Related scientific references

Nat Immunol. 2020 May;21(5):578-587. doi: 10.1038/s41590-020-0633-5. Epub 2020 Mar 30.

Trends Immunol. 2020 Jul 2;S1471-4906(20)30132-0. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2020.06.008.

Licensing opportunities

St. Jude is seeking a partner or partners to help develop this for use with therapies. Contact: chad.riggs@stjude.org

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