The technology features two peptide mimics, P1C21 and P3C21, derived from a phage display library using a human scFv antibody that targets CSPG4, a tumor-associated antigen. These peptides have been rigorously characterized using molecular modeling, kinetic analysis, and systematic amino acid substitution to fine-tune their structural interaction with the antibody. Their ability to block antibody binding to CSPG4-positive melanoma cells confirms their precise mimicry of the antigenic determinant. In vivo studies in mice demonstrated that P1C21 triggers both humoral and cellular immune responses, which are further amplified following exposure to CSPG4-positive melanoma cells.
Description
The technology is differentiated by its use of a human antibody to define the mimicked epitope, a novel approach compared to previous methods that relied on murine antibodies. This innovation ensures higher clinical relevance and potential effectiveness in human immunotherapy. Furthermore, the detailed molecular optimization and demonstration of enhanced immune responses provide a solid foundation for advancing active specific immunotherapy strategies against melanoma and possibly other malignancies.
Applications
- Melanoma immunotherapy vaccine
- CSPG4-targeted cancer therapy
- Peptide drug development platform
Advantages
- Enables targeted immunotherapy by mimicking the CSPG4 tumor-associated antigen with high specificity.
- Induces both humoral and cellular immune responses, enhancing anti-tumor activity.
- Overcomes the natural low immunogenicity of CSPG4, potentially improving vaccine efficacy.
- Provides a framework for structural optimization through molecular modeling and kinetic analysis.
- Offers a novel strategy for active specific immunotherapy in melanoma and other malignancies.
IP Status
Research Tool
