Enhanced Genetically Engineered T Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept relates to genetically engineered T cells with enhanced persistence and functionality, comprising disruptions in Regnase-1 and TGFBRII genes, and introducing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) with a novel antigen-binding domain, further engineered to produce a cytokine that enhances their persistence.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed genetically engineered T cells with Regnase-1 and TGFBRII disruptions, demonstrating improved functionality and persistence. However, these T cells may still have limitations in terms of their ability to target specific tumor antigens and persist in the body. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a novel CAR with a specific antigen-binding domain and engineering the T cells to produce a cytokine that enhances their persistence.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The genetically engineered T cells of the present inventive concept comprise disruptions in Regnase-1 and TGFBRII genes, which are achieved through CRISPR/Cas-mediated gene editing. The T cells are further engineered to express a CAR with a novel antigen-binding domain, designed to target a specific tumor antigen. Additionally, the T cells are engineered to produce a cytokine that enhances their persistence, allowing them to persist in the body for a longer period and effectively target cancer cells.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The present inventive concept introduces a novel CAR with a specific antigen-binding domain and the engineering of T cells to produce a cytokine that enhances their persistence, which is not disclosed in the original patent. This combination of features provides a significant improvement in the functionality and persistence of genetically engineered T cells for cancer immunotherapy.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include using different gene editing systems, such as TALEN or ZFN, or using different CAR designs and antigen-binding domains. Additionally, the T cells may be engineered to produce different cytokines or to express different surface receptors to enhance their functionality and persistence.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The present inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the field of cancer immunotherapy, particularly in the development of targeted therapies for specific types of cancer. The market for cancer immunotherapies is rapidly growing, and the present inventive concept is well-positioned to capture a significant share of this market.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Immunotherapy, genetic engineering of T cells, and cancer treatment biotechnology, requiring advanced knowledge of molecular biology, gene editing techniques, and CAR T-cell design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A PhD-level researcher with expertise in molecular biology, CRISPR gene editing, immunology, and CAR T-cell engineering, familiar with current techniques for enhancing T-cell functionality and persistence
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that extending the source patent's gene disruption techniques to include additional functional modifications like cytokine production and novel CAR designs represents a predictable variation in T-cell engineering. The fundamental approach of genetically modifying T cells to improve their cancer-targeting capabilities is well-established, and the specific modifications proposed in the PTD would be considered routine optimization by a skilled practitioner.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,574 |
|---|---|
| Title | Genetically engineered T cells with Regnase-1 and/or TGFBRII disruption have improved functionality and persistence |
| Assignee(s) | CRISPR THERAPEUTICS AG |