Influenza-specific T-Cell Receptor and Its Uses in the Detection, Prevention And/or Treatment of Influenza

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes specific influenza-targeted T-cell receptors (TCRs), both α- and β-chains, that can identify and bind to a highly conserved peptide (GILGFVFTL, also called GL9) from the influenza virus when presented by an HLA-A2 molecule. The invention includes these TCRs, their nucleic acid sequences, expression vectors, cells expressing them, soluble and chimeric versions, and their application in detecting, preventing, or treating influenza infections. It enables creating engineered immune cells, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic agents against influenza, in particular for individuals who express HLA-A2.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Adoptive T-cell therapy for treating patients with active influenza infection, especially those at high risk due to weak immune systems or severe disease.
• Preventative genetic immunization by engineering patient or donor lymphocytes to express influenza-specific TCRs for high-risk groups or healthcare workers.
• Development of diagnostic tests for detecting influenza-infected cells using labeled soluble TCR constructs.
• Personalized treatment approaches for HLA-A2-positive individuals using engineered cells or targeted biologics.
• Direct destruction of influenza-infected cells using soluble TCRs conjugated with toxins or radionuclides.
• Supplement or alternative to vaccines, especially for emerging or highly mutated influenza strains where current vaccines are not effective.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Offers high specificity by targeting a highly conserved influenza epitope, potentially making it effective against various influenza subtypes, including emerging strains.
• Enables cell-based immunotherapy approaches that could work even when antibodies/vaccines are less effective due to viral mutations.
• Permits both therapeutic and preventative applications through engineered lymphocytes or soluble biologics.
• Soluble TCR constructs can directly detect or destroy influenza-infected cells in vitro or in vivo, providing diagnostic and therapeutic versatility.
• Applicable to a significant proportion of the population (HLA-A2 positive individuals, ~40% in Europe).
• Potential for rapid response to new flu pandemics by leveraging the conserved GL9 epitope.
• May reduce disease severity and improve outcomes in vulnerable patient populations.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to specific T-cell receptor a-chains, T-cell receptor β-chains and T-cell receptors comprising said T-cell receptor a-chain and/or β-chain. In particular, the invention relates to T-cell receptors and/or chains binding to the influenza matrix peptide GILGFVFTL (GL9 peptide) presented by Human Leukocyte antigen A2 (HLA-A2) molecules. The present invention further relates to soluble TCR constructs, chimeric TCRs, nucleic acids, expression constructs and cells comprising said TCR a-chain and/or β-chain or the respective TCR. The present invention further relates to the use of the TCR a-chain and/or β-chain or the respective TCR or the soluble TCR constructs or chimeric TCRs as a medicament, preferably in the detection, prevention and/or treatment of influenza. The present invention further relates to methods of detecting, preventing and/or treating influenza.