T-cell Receptors Specific for Hepatitis C Virus Peptides

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

This invention relates to the identification, isolation, and use of antigen-binding proteins, specifically T-cell receptors (TCRs), that are highly specific for peptides derived from the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) when presented on human cells. These TCRs can be used to genetically engineer immune cells (such as T-cells) to specifically recognize and target HCV-infected cells for destruction. The patent also covers the corresponding genetic constructs, vectors, recombinant host cells, and pharmaceutical compositions for potential medical applications, such as adoptive T-cell therapy to treat or prevent HCV infections, including those resistant to standard antiviral drugs.

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

• Adoptive T-cell therapy for patients with chronic or acute HCV infection, including antiviral drug-resistant cases.
• Development of cell therapies to prevent HCV-induced diseases, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer (HCC).
• Engineering personalized (autologous) or universal (allogeneic) T-cells for direct infusion into patients to eliminate HCV-infected cells.
• Diagnostic assays for detecting HCV-infected cells or monitoring immune responses to HCV via these highly specific TCRs.
• Combination therapies with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) or as a salvage/second-line approach when standard treatments fail.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables highly specific targeting of HCV-infected cells, reducing off-target effects and improving safety over less specific immune therapies.
• Allows treatment of patients with strains of HCV resistant to conventional antiviral drugs, providing an option for otherwise untreatable cases.
• Facilitates personalized immunotherapy with engineered T-cells tailored for individual patients or general off-the-shelf solutions.
• Potential to reduce or eliminate chronic HCV infection, lowering the risks of progression to cirrhosis or liver cancer.
• Provides a platform for further developments in viral immunotherapy and potential adaptation to other chronic viral infections.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention is based on antigen binding proteins (ABPs) such as T-cell receptors (TCR) expressed on T-cells, which have a specificity to bind to MHC presented Hepatitis C Virus peptides. Provided are isolated ABPs as well as genetic constructs expressing the ABPs, recombinant host cells harboring the ABP of the invention and methods for producing such ABPs and host cells. Moreover, provided are medical applications involving the TCR of the invention, for example in context of an adoptive T-cell therapy.