Immunogenic Tumor-associated Antigen SPANX-B for Selective Cancer Immunotherapy

Description of Invention:
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have characterized a novel tumor-associated antigen, SPANX-B, that is naturally immunogenic and is expressed in a variety of human malignancies, including melanoma and lung, colon, renal, ovarian and breast carcinomas. In melanoma specifically, SPANX-B expression is associated with advanced and metastatic disease. Moreover, the researchers have found several agonist epitope peptides from SPANX-B which can be used to activate the immune system to eradicate tumors utilizing T cells. SPANX-B peptides have significant clinical and immunotherapeutic potential for the development of cancer diagnostic assays and potent protective and/ or therapeutic vaccines to combat a wide-range of cancers.

Applications:

• In vitro diagnostic assays for highly-metastatic melanomas or other cancers
• Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies
• Cancer vaccine development

Advantages:

• Immunogenic: SPANX-B peptides are naturally able to elicit immune response.
• Expressed in a wide-range of cancers.
• Use of epitope peptides facilitates the activation of cells of the more therapeutically effective branch of the immune system.
• Small epitope peptides: can be more easily manufactured in contrast to recombinant proteins.

Development Status:
Pre-clinical

Inventors:
Bira Arya (NIA)
Vladimir Larionov (NCI)


Patent Status:
HHS, Reference No. E-089-2009/0
PCT, Application No. PCT/US2010/025633 filed 26 Feb 2010


Relevant Publication:

1. G Almanzar et al. Sperm-derived SPANX-B is a clinically relevant tumor antigen that is expressed in human tumors and readily recognized by human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Clin Cancer Res. 2009 Mar 15;15(6):1954-1963. [ PubMed abs ]

Licensing Status:
Available for licensing.

Collaborative Research Opportunity:
The National Institute on Aging, Laboratory of Immunology, is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize the use of SPANX-B-based therapeutic approaches to combat cancers. Please contact Nicole Guyton, Ph.D. at 301-435-3101 or darackn@mail.nih.gov for more information.


Portfolios:
Cancer
Cancer - Diagnostics
Cancer - Therapeutics
In-vitro Data



For Additional Information Please Contact:
Patrick McCue Ph.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd. Suite 325,
Rockville, MD 20852
United States
Email: McCuepat@mail.nih.gov
Phone: 301-496-7057
Fax: 301-402-0220


Ref No: 2008

Updated: 06/2010