Search Technologies

Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) seek research & co-development and/or licensees for a novel, ex vivo method by which stem cell-like memory T cells (Tscm) can be generated by stimulating naïve T cells in the presence of inhibitors of GSK-3beta, which are capable of activating the Wnt pathway. These Tscm cells, generated using GSK-3beta inhibitors, display enhanced survival and proliferation upon transfer, have multipotent capacity to generate all memory and effector T cell subsets, and show increased anti-tumor activity in a humanized mouse tumor model.

Pluripotent stem cells are a promising source of T cells for a variety of clinical applications. However, current in vitro methods of T cell differentiation result in the generation of cells with aberrant phenotypes. Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have now developed methodology for generating induced pluripotent stem cell thymic emigrants (iTE). Antigen-specific CD8αβ+ iTEs exhibited functional properties in vitro that were almost indistinguishable from natural naïve CD8αβ+ T cells, including vigorous expansion and robust anti-tumor activity. iTEs recapitulated many of the transcriptional programs of naïve T cells in vivo and revealed a striking capacity for engraftment, memory formation, and efficient tumor destruction. The NCI seeks licensing and/or co-development research collaborations for this invention.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) seeks research co-development partners and/or licensees for the development and commercialization of a diagnostic assay that detects sequence-specific (viral) RNA.

Scientists at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have developed a novel delivery platform in which the scaffold of an anionic hydrogel (AcVES3) can be attenuated to deliver therapeutic small molecules, peptides, proteins, nanoparticles, or whole cells. The NCI seeks collaborators and licensees for the development of this technology in various clinical and laboratory applications.

Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) RNA Biology Laboratory have developed nanoparticles that can deliver an agent (i.e., therapeutic or imaging) and release the agent upon targeted photoactivation allowing for controlled temporal and localized release of the agent.

Prevention and control of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections require a vaccine providing long-lasting protection. The most promising vaccine up to date consists of a regimen of immunization with genetically engineered HIV proteins, including the surface glycoprotein gp120, with a resulting efficacy of ~30%. Recent evidence indicates antibodies produced against variable envelope region 2 (V2) of gp120 in primates are associated with higher levels of protection, while antibodies produced against variable envelope region 1 (V1) have an opposite and interfering effect. Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and New York University (NYU) have developed V1-deleted gp120 immunogens using Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), and observed an increase in antibodies against V2 in macaques upon immunization. NCI is seeking parties interested in co-developing and/or licensing V1-deleted gp120 immunogens for their use in an improved HIV vaccine.

Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) developed novel molecular nanotags for single biological nanoparticle detection, resolution, and sorting, by flow cytometry. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) seeks licensing and/or co-development research collaborations to further advance this technology with extremely broad biomedical, biodefense, industrial, environmental, and other applications.

Researchers at the NCI have developed a method of improving the immune response in cancer immunotherapy by exploiting in the role of the Linker Adapted for T-Cell Signaling (LAT) molecule. The LAT molecular can enhance signaling through TCRs, thus, improving a patient’s own immune response to cancer or infectious diseases.

Researchers at the NCI seek licensing for novel anti-HIV peptide therapeutics. The researchers developed novel proteins for HIV inhibition. Scytovirin is a potent anti-HIV protein with two domains having strong symmetry. NCI researchers produced a much smaller, functional, scytovirin domain polypeptide – SD1 – for use as a HIV therapeutic.