Lymphoma and Tumour Antigens - Isis Project No 1185

Research at the University of Oxford has resulted in the identification of various antigenic proteins using antibodies present in the blood of patients with aggressive diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Applications

The molecules identified are believed to be proteins whose expression in the cancer cell leads to a tumour associated immune response. They may represent important markers for prognostic or diagnostic purposes and for the potential treatment of lymphomas of various types including diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

Background

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma accounts for 30-40% of all adult non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. The genetic abnormalities underlying DLBCL remain poorly understood and, in contrast to other lymphoma types, no single characteristic genetic alteration has been found. Approximately 50% of patients relapse after treatment and their tumours frequently become resistant to therapy, therefore alternative therapies are urgently needed for this group of patients.

The Oxford Invention

The Oxford inventors have used the serological analysis of recombinant cDNA expression libraries technology (SEREX) to identify DLBCL-associated proteins expressed from a testis cDNA library. Some of the antigens identified represent novel molecules hitherto unidentified whilst others represent partially characterised antigens for which no function has yet been ascribed. A number of the antigens identified encode known proteins that are already linked to human cancer.

Commercialisation Opportunity

The potential exists for prognostic / diagnostic tests to be developed and therapeutic potential may be found through vaccination, gene therapy, the use of the protein (or peptide analogues) or derivatised antibodies. This exciting Oxford discovery is the subject of a patent application. Isis Innovation is actively seeking partners to commercialise this technology.

Keywords

Lymphoma, tumour antigens, 'large B cell lymphomas', cancer, therapy, diagnosis

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