A Chimeric Receptor Platform for Combinatorially Modulating Control of Cell Activities

Invention Novelty

A novel method to engineer a class of chimeric receptors to detect defined extracellular signals and modulate specified cell responses such as transcription, recombination, or signaling.  

Value Proposition

There is currently no general way to engineer cells such that they sense specific extracellular ligands and subsequently respond with specific, intracellular outputs. The present invention develops a flexible chimeric receptor platform that can be engineered to recognize novel extracellular ligands and trigger novel cellular outputs, including transcription, recombination, or signaling.

Applications in: 

• mapping cell-cell connectivity
• engineering T-cells to detect disease specific ligands/surface antigens
• inducing stem-cell differentiation in response to particular micro-environments
• secreting biologics in response to particular micro-environments
• modifying environment-sensing cells that respond in a specific manner
• combining with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) in T cells for multi-input control of T cell activation

Technology Description

Scientists from University of California, San Francisco have developed a modular platform for a variety of extracellular cell-cell contact signals to regulate cellular behavior utilizing a class of engineered chimeric receptors. The platform involves a cell surface receptor that spans the cell membrane, with both a extracellular and intracellular domain. The receptor is activated when the extracellular domain binds its cognate ligand. When the receptor is activated by ligand binding, the intracellular domain can execute its activity. The inventors have found that both the extracellular and intracellular domains of receptor are modular – they can be engineered to recognize novel ligands and to trigger novel responses, such as transcription, recombination, or signaling.

Looking for Partners

To develop & commercialize the technology as tunable cell-based therapy or as a general tool for life science research.   

Stage of Development

Pre-Clinical

Related Materials

• Not available at this time

Data Availability

In vitro data

Patent Status

Additional Patents Pending