Humanized antibody targeting the tumor associated antigen, IL13Ra2
NU 2020-031
INVENTORS
Irina Balyasnikova*
SHORT DESCRIPTION
A novel antibody that specifically targets glioblastoma cells
BACKGROUND
Glioblastoma is a deadly, incurable disease with a low 5 year survival rate. The current standard of care typically involves surgical resection of the tumor followed by a combined radiation and chemotherapy regimen. However, despite these treatments, the cancer typically recurs within a period of months. Scientists are developing new methods to utilize the body’s own immune system to target cancer cells. In particular, targeting proteins that are exclusively expressed by tumor cells is a promising new approach to cancer treatment. About 70% of glioblastoma tissues express the Interleukin-13 alpha 2 receptor, and this receptor is not expressed at high levels throughout the rest of the body.
ABSTRACT
Scientists at Northwestern have developed a highly specific antibody against the Interleukin-13 alpha2 receptor. This antibody shows little cross-reactivity with Interleukin-13 alpha 1 receptor, potentially ameliorating off-target effects. Additionally, this antibody has been fully humanized, and the amino acid sequence has been optimized to improve its efficacy. This antibody is a promising candidate for incorporation into an immune-system based therapy to specifically target glioblastoma cells, either through antibody-drug conjugates or through a chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy.
APPLICATIONS
ADVANTAGES
PUBLICATION
Pituch KC, Miska J, Krenciute G, Panek WK, Li G, Rodriguez-Cruz T, Wu M, Han Y, Lesniak MS, Gottschalk S, Balyasnikova IV. Adoptive Transfer of IL13Rα2-Specific Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells Creates a Pro-inflammatory Environment in Glioblastoma. Mol Ther. 2018 Apr 4;26(4):986-995.
IP STATUS
US and international patent applications have been filed
Treatment with humanized anitobdy targeting IL13Ra2 improves lifespan in mice injected with glioblastoma