Immune cells with DNMT3A gene modifications and methods related thereto
AssigneesEmory University, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
InventorsRafi Ahmed, Benjamin Youngblood
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This disclosure relates to the genetic modification of DNMT3A gene in immune cells. In certain embodiments, the modified immune cells may be used in adoptive T cells therapies to enhance immune responses against cancer or chronic infections. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to deleting, changing, or inserting nucleotides within the DNMT3A gene in immune cells, e.g., human CD8 T cells, such that the DNMT3A gene product does not function for methylation. In certain embodiments, modification of the DNMT3A gene provides an improvement in antigen-specific T cells functions and/or an enhancement of the longevity of the cells.
Claims10
A method of treating cancer comprising
- a) collecting CD8 T cells from a subject diagnosed with cancer providing isolated CD8 T cells;
- b) modifying a DNMT3a gene in the isolated CD8 T cells such that the DNMT3a gene does not expresses a protein or a non-functional protein is expressed providing CD8 T cells with a non-functioning DNMT3a gene;
- and
- c) administering or implanting an effective amount of the CD8 T cells with a non-functioning DNMT3a gene into the subject diagnosed with cancer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.