Methods of Identifying Novel Proteins and Antigens in Cancer Cells

Categories: “Cancer Therapeutics“

Reference #: 2017-002

OTC Contact: Ruchika Nijhara, PhD, MBA, CLP (Directory Information | Send a Message)

Description

A technique that employs single molecule real time (SMRT) sequencing to uncover aberrant RNA splice variants that are characteristic of cancer cell splice transcripts – sequencing of such splice variants results in predictable protein epitopes that can be targeted for treatment.

Aberrant splicing of pre-mRNA in cancer cells generates multiple transcripts, which are ultimately translated into disjointed proteins thus revealing novel protein junctions. The exposed junctions act as neo-epitopes that can be recognized by the immune system.

Application

• Cancer therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors
• Cancer Diagnostics
• Selection of patients for immune checkpoint inhibitor sensitivity and/or resistance

Advantages

• Can uncover novel transcript variants and/or isoforms
• Predict peptide fragments and open reading frames

Stage of Development

Technique has validated been human bone marrow cell subpopulations, revealing novel mRNA isoforms.
Researchers are assessing applicability to aberrant cancer cell transcription.

Patent Status

Provisional application has been filed.