T-cell Aging Biomarker (SJ-23-0009)

St. Jude Reference #SJ-23-0009

Description

Researchers at St. Jude defined DNA methylation programs, conserved among mice and humans, that track the age of CD8 T cells exceeded beyond organismal lifespan boundaries. This T cell clock is independent of the host age and is enriched for genes controlling cell-cycle. This epigenetic clock also describes accelerated aging among T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and can delineate subtypes. Additionally, our clock is distinct from malignancy associated epigenetic programs allowing us to delineate long-lived T cells from malignant T cells. Several companies are attempting to reverse aging or develop senolytic therapies, but they do not have a tool to measure the age of the immune system. We are seeking CDAs with potential partners to review the data and findings. This invention can also be used to assess longevity versus malignancy potential in T cells that have been gene edited for therapy. This could serve as a 'safety release' assay to ensure they have not acquired malignancy-associated programs.

Keywords

DNA methylation, CD8 T cells, differentiation, epigenetic, T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia subtypes(T-ALL), clock, senolytic therapies, safety release, assay, Liquid tumor.

Granted patents or published applications

Related scientific references

Conserved epigenetic hallmarks of T-cell aging during immunity and malignancy
Nature Aging, published June 12, 2024

Age is just a number: Immune cell ‘epigenetic clock’ ticks independently of organism lifespan - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org)

Licensing opportunities

We are currently seeking licensees for this biomarker.

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