Overview
The body's immune system is characterized by its ability to rapidly respond to foreign antigens (part of a bacterial or cancer cell, for example) that were previously encountered. This rapid response is mediated by memory T lymphocytes. When these cells are activated, they produce effector cytokines, such as TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma, which signal the immune system to respond appropriately in defense against the foreign antigen. A tyrosine kinase protein known as ZAP-70 is a key signal transducer expressed by T lymphocytes, and is required for T-cell development and further activation. The UMB inventors demonstrated a striking and specific elevation in ZAP-70 expression in resting memory T cells compared to naive T cells. The research showed that high expression of ZAP-70 is required for the rapid response of memory T cells to foreign antigen. The production of IFN-gamma was reduced when ZAP-70 expression was inhibited by selective siRNA and completely blocked in the presence of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor piceatannol. In addition, it was shown that the relative production of TNF-alpha versus IFN-gamma, which leads to a shift in the type of immune response, is dependent on the level of ZAP-70.
Applications
-Biomarker for evaluating functional capacity of resting CD4 T lymphocytes. -Target for manipulation of the immune response to manage cancer, diabetes, arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. -Immunotherapy target to enhance response to vaccines against viruses or cancer.
Advantages
Since ZAP-70 expression is such a critical early step in modulating the immune response by memory T cells, manipulation of its expression may be exploited for a myriad of clinical uses.
Stage of Development
Both in vitro and in vivo studies have validated the important role played by ZAP-70 in immune system memory.
R&D Required
Further testing of potential as clinical target and tool.
Licensing Potential
UMB seeks partners for licensing, clinical development, and/or sponsored research to advance this technology into the healthcare field.
Contact Info
Office of Technology Transfer
620 W Lexington St., 4th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (410) 706-2380