Improved Interleukin Expression for Immunogenic Compositions and Vaccine Adjuvant
Posted Jun 15 2010 5:00pm
Description of Invention: The NIH is pleased to announce as available for licensing a technology that provides for optimized nucleic acids for improved expression of interleukin-15 (IL-15) and IL-15 receptor alpha (IL-15Ralpha) in mammalian cells. IL-15 is a cytokine important for both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Based on its many functions and relative safety in animal models, IL-15 finds use in vaccines, cancer immunotherapeutics, and autoimmune disease and as a vaccine adjuvant.
The present technology enhances the production and bioavailability of IL-15 through use of optimized nucleic acid sequences. Native IL-15 coding sequences do not express IL-15 optimally for several reasons, and the optimized sequences of the subject technology overcome these deficiencies. The nucleic acids can be part of expression vectors, which could be utilized either in vitro or in vivo. The expression vectors express IL-15 alone, IL-15Ralpha alone, or both molecules together from a single vector. Further enhanced expression of IL-15 and/or IL-15Ralpha can be achieved through the use of signal peptides or propeptides from heterologous proteins. These nucleic acids can be administered to enhance the immune response of an individual against one or more antigens. Primate studies have shown that co-administration of IL-15 and IL-15Ralpha increased antigen specific cells, cells expressing IL-2, and/or cells expressing IL-2 and IFN-gamma (i.e. multifunctional cells). The present compositions are useful for the increased bioavailability and therefore biological effects of IL-15 after its administration to humans or other mammals.
MA Kutzler et al. Coimmunization with an optimized IL-15 plasmid results in enhanced function and longevity of CD8 T cells that are partially independent of CD4 T cell help. J Immunol. 2005 Jul 1;175(1):112-123. [ PubMed: 15972637 ]
Licensing Status: Available for licensing.
Portfolios: Infectious Diseases Infectious Diseases - Vaccines In-vivo Data
For Additional Information Please Contact: Kevin Chang Ph.D. NIH Office of Technology Transfer 6011 Executive Blvd. Suite 325, Rockville, MD 20852 United States Email: changke@mail.nih.gov Phone: 301-435-5018 Fax: 301-402-0220
Description of Invention:
The NIH is pleased to announce as available for licensing a technology that provides for optimized nucleic acids for improved expression of interleukin-15 (IL-15) and IL-15 receptor alpha (IL-15Ralpha) in mammalian cells. IL-15 is a cytokine important for both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Based on its many functions and relative safety in animal models, IL-15 finds use in vaccines, cancer immunotherapeutics, and autoimmune disease and as a vaccine adjuvant.
The present technology enhances the production and bioavailability of IL-15 through use of optimized nucleic acid sequences. Native IL-15 coding sequences do not express IL-15 optimally for several reasons, and the optimized sequences of the subject technology overcome these deficiencies. The nucleic acids can be part of expression vectors, which could be utilized either in vitro or in vivo. The expression vectors express IL-15 alone, IL-15Ralpha alone, or both molecules together from a single vector. Further enhanced expression of IL-15 and/or IL-15Ralpha can be achieved through the use of signal peptides or propeptides from heterologous proteins. These nucleic acids can be administered to enhance the immune response of an individual against one or more antigens. Primate studies have shown that co-administration of IL-15 and IL-15Ralpha increased antigen specific cells, cells expressing IL-2, and/or cells expressing IL-2 and IFN-gamma (i.e. multifunctional cells). The present compositions are useful for the increased bioavailability and therefore biological effects of IL-15 after its administration to humans or other mammals.
Applications:
Inventors:
George N Pavlakis (NCI)
Barbara K Felber (NCI)
Patent Status:
HHS, Reference No. E-254-2005/2
US, Application No. 12/160,263 filed 08 Jul 2008
International rights available
Relevant Publication:
Licensing Status:
Available for licensing.
Portfolios:
Infectious Diseases
Infectious Diseases - Vaccines
In-vivo Data
For Additional Information Please Contact:
Kevin Chang Ph.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd. Suite 325,
Rockville, MD 20852
United States
Email: changke@mail.nih.gov
Phone: 301-435-5018
Fax: 301-402-0220
Ref No: 1331
Updated: 06/2010