Multivalent MHC complex peptide fusion protein complex for stimulating specific T cell function
AssigneeChildren's Hospital Medical Center
InventorsRaphael Hirsch, Constance M. Cullen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention describes a soluble fusion protein composed of a plurality of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules linked together by a stabilizing structure herein referred to as the “linker,” the MHC molecules being loaded with a specific peptide or peptides. Such fusion proteins can be used as a method for stimulating or inhibiting specific T cell clones expressing T cell receptors (TCR) restricted to the specific MHC-peptide combination. Such fusion proteins can thus be used as delivery systems to stimulate T cell immunity and as a treatment for diseases such as transplant rejection or autoimmunity.
Claims9
A fusion protein comprising a plurality of MHC class I molecules complexed to an immunoglobulin constant domain, and a selected antigen associated with said plurality of MHC molecules, wherein said immunoglobulin constant domain includes a portion that can bind to an F, receptor, said fusion protein stimulating T cells in vivo against said selected antigen.
The fusion protein of claim 6, wherein said immunoglobulin constant domain further comprises the CH2 domain and the hinge region.
A fusion protein comprising a plurality of MHC class I molecules complexed to an immunoglobulin constant domain, a β2-microglobulin molecule covalently attached to said plurality of MHC molecules via a peptide tether, and a selected antigen associated with said plurality of MHC molecules, wherein said immunoglobulin constant domain includes a portion that can bind to an Fc receptor, said fusion protein stimulating T cells in vivo against said selected antigen.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.