Control Of Chimeric Antigen Receptor Activation By Their Hinge And Transmembrane Domains

Invention Novelty

UCSF inventors have created a hybrid sequence that, when engineered into Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cells, promotes activation of the cells solely with CD28 antibodies or CD28 ligands. The sequence is a combination of the CD28 or IgG4 hinge region and the CD28 transmembrane, and represent a new opportunity to control T cell function. The technology has been tested in vitro with in vivo studies ongoing. The added functionality through this sequence has potential to promote survival and homeostasis of CAR T cells in the absence of CAR target and improve the specificity and toxicity profiles of current CAR T therapies. 

Value Proposition

• Utilizes previously unknown function of two structural components, the hinge region and transmembrane domain, of the Chimeric Antigen Receptor
• Incorporates extra layer of control and adaptability to CAR T cells
• Potential to control growth and survival of CAR T cells without CAR target
• Potential to reduce toxicity from trans-signal transduction

Related Materials

• The CD28-transmembrane domain mediates chimeric antigen receptor heterodimerization with CD28 - 09/19/2020

Patent Status

Patent Pending