Primary Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Vaccine Platform
Background
Tulane University is actively seeking commercial entities to further develop and commercialize novel vaccine platform consisting of primary mesenchymal stem cells.
Applications
While vaccination programs have clear documented success in controlling many diseases, there has been a failure to generate effective, long-term immunity against certain major pathogens. Our mesenchymal stem cells(MSC)delivery platform is similar to that of a DNA vaccine or cellular vaccine in that the antigen is expressed through DNA transfection and delivered by an ex vivo cultured cell. The MSC strategy improves on the problems that have occurred with DNA and DC-based vaccinations. The platform is capable of expressing hundreds of proteins, thereby generating a broad array of epitopes with correct post-translational processing, mimicking a natural infection. By stimulating immunity to a combination of epitopes, prophylactic and even therapeutic vaccines to major global diseases, like HIV, can be provided, where traditional vaccination approaches have failed.
Inventors
Suzanne L. Tomchuck, PhD
Bruce Bunnell, PhD
Intellectual Property
Available For
Exclusive License in a Field
Non-exclusive License
Scientific Collaboration