Cell Surface Marker for Detection of Activated B Cells involved in Disease

Background

Proteins expressed in the membrane of B cells represent compelling targets for therapeutic monoclonal antibody development. Although drugs are commercially available, for example, Rituxan®, which targets CD20, a cell surface protein present in all B cells, there is currently no therapy that selectively acts on activated B lymphocytes.

Patent Status

Technology Description

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, have discovered a novel marker expressed in activated B cells that can be selectively targeted, for example, using monoclonal antibody therapy.

Applications

The present invention provides a novel strategy for selectively targeting or detecting activated B cells in the presence of normal B cells without harming the latter. This innovative research can be exploited in detecting and treating human diseases where activated B cells are involved, e.g., leukemia, autoimmune disease (i.e., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc...), etc...