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Immunostimulatory Oligodeoxynucleotides

Download the Abstract (PDF - 123KB)

This invention comprises oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) having at least 10 nucleotides with an unmethylated central CpG motif that are immunostimulatory in humans. The inventors have shown that the several ODNs (having different CpG motifs and backbones) induce immune responses from human non-B and B cells. The motif that stimulates non-B cells induces production and release of multiple T cell cytokines and chemokines; specifically, the Th1 cytokine IFN-gamma, which facilitates the development of a cytotoxic T cell response.

In contrast, the motif that stimulates B cells induces production and release of various cytokines, including IL-6 which supports a Th2 antibody response. The inventors have in vitro and ex vivo data showing the ODNs of this invention can be used to precisely regulate the type and magnitude of the immune response in human cells.

Potential Commercial Applications Competitive Advantages
  • Cancer therapeutic
  • Anti-infective agent and in combination with antisense therapy
  • Treating autoimmune disorders
  • Two distinct hexameric motifs that are active on human cells
  • Stimulation of B and non-B cells

Inventors: Dennis Klinman, Daniela Verthelyi, Ken Ishii, Mayda Gursel

Publications: Klinman DM, Klaschik S, Tomaru K, Shirota H, Tross D, Ikeuchi H. Immunostimulatory CpG oligonucleotides: Effect on gene expression and utility as vaccine adjuvants. Vaccine. 2010;28(8):1919‐1923.PMID: 20188247

Intellectual Property: United States Patent No. 7,960,356 issued 06.14.2011
United States Patent No. 6,977,245 issued 12.20.2005
United States Patent No. 8,030,285 issued 10.04.2011
United States Patent No. 8,389,495 issued 03.05.2013
United States Patent No. 8,227,446 issued 07.24.2012
United States Patent No. 8,741,869 issued 03.06.2014
PCT Application No. PCT/US2000/009839 filed 8.11.2000

Product Area: Cancer therapeutic, vaccine adjuvant, autoimmune therapeutic, antisense therapy

FDA Reference No: E-1999-009

Licensing Contact:
Ken Millburne, J.D.
FDA Technology Transfer Program
Email: FDAInventionlicensing@fda.hhs.gov
Phone: 301-346-3964

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