Enhanced Restimulation of Cryopreserved Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes

This inventive concept relates to improved methods and systems for restimulating cryopreserved tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, enhancing their viability, potency, and metabolic state for adoptive cell therapy.

The original patent disclosed methods for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, but these methods have limitations, such as reduced viability and potency of the expanded lymphocytes. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing an antigen-based restimulation step, improving the overall efficacy of adoptive cell therapy.

The inventive concept encompasses a system and method for restimulating cryopreserved tumor infiltrating lymphocytes with an antigen, thereby enhancing their viability and potency. The system comprises a cryopreservation unit, a thawing unit, and a restimulation unit. The method involves thawing the cryopreserved lymphocytes, restimulating them with an antigen, and optionally, cryopreserving the restimulated lymphocytes for future use. The restimulation step increases the proportion of memory T cells in the lymphocyte population, leading to improved efficacy in adoptive cell therapy.

The new inventive concept introduces the antigen-based restimulation step, which is not disclosed in the original patent. This step is non-obvious as it requires a deep understanding of the biology of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and the importance of antigen presentation in their activation.

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept include using different antigens, varying the duration and intensity of the restimulation step, and incorporating additional components, such as sensors to monitor the metabolic state of the restimulated lymphocytes.

The enhanced restimulation of cryopreserved tumor infiltrating lymphocytes has significant commercial potential in the field of adoptive cell therapy, particularly for the treatment of bulky, refractory cancers. The target market includes pharmaceutical companies, biotech companies, and research institutions involved in cancer therapy development.