191 results about "Cell type specific" patented technology

The molecules and methods of the present invention provide a means for in vivo production of a trans-spliced molecule in a selected subset of cells. The pre-trans-splicing molecules of the invention are substrates for a trans-splicing reaction between the pre-trans-splicing molecules and a pre-mRNA which is uniquely expressed in the specific target cells. The in vivo trans-splicing reaction provides a novel mRNA which is functional as mRNA or encodes a protein to be expressed in the target cells. The expression product of the mRNA is a protein of therapeutic value to the cell or host organism a toxin which causes killing of the specific cells or a novel protein not normally present in such cells. The invention further provides PTMs that have been genetically engineered for the identification of exon / intron boundaries of pre-mRNA molecules using an exon tagging method. The PTMs of the invention can also be designed to result in the production of chimeric RNA encoding for peptide affinity purification tags which can be used to purify and identify proteins expressed in a specific cell type.

The present invention provides mutant adeno-associated virus (AAV) that exhibit altered capsid properties, e.g., reduced binding to neutralizing antibodies in serum and / or altered heparin binding and / or altered infectivity of particular cell types. The present invention further provides libraries of mutant AAV comprising one or more mutations in a capsid gene. The present invention further provides methods of generating the mutant AAV and mutant AAV libraries, and compositions comprising the mutant AAV. The present invention further provides recombinant AAV (rAAV) virions that comprise a mutant capsid protein. The present invention further provides nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences that encode mutant capsid proteins, and host cells comprising the nucleic acids. The present invention further provides methods of delivering a gene product to an individual, the methods generally involving administering an effective amount of a subject rAAV virion to an individual in need thereof.

The present invention provides a fluorescent silica-based nanoparticle that allows for precise detection, characterization, monitoring and treatment of a disease such as cancer The nanoparticle has a fluorescent compound positioned within the nanoparticle, and has greater brightness and fluorescent quantum yield than the free fluorescent compound To facilitate efficient urinary excretion of the nanoparticle, it may be coated with an organic polymer, such as polyethylene glycol) (PEG) The small size of the nanoparticle, the silica base and the organic polymer coating minimizes the toxicity of the nanoparticle when administered in vivo The nanoparticle may further be conjugated to a ligand capable of binding to a cellular component associated with the specific cell type, such as a tumor marker A therapeutic agent may be attached to the nanoparticle Radionuclides / radiometals or paramagnetic ions may be conjugated to the nanoparticle to permit the nanoparticle to be detectable by various imaging techniques.

The present invention provides a system for enhancing clearance or destruction of undesirable cells or noncellular molecular entities by tagging such cells or noncellular molecular entities with a marker that targets the cells or noncellular molecular entities for phagocytosis (phagocytic marker). The target cells can be, for example, endothelial cells, tumor cells, leukocytes, or virus-infected cells. In certain embodiments of the invention the tagging is accomplished by administering a composition comprising an antibody or ligand linked to the phagcytotic marker, wherein the antibody or ligand binds to a cell type specific marker present on or in the cell surface of a target cell. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the phagocytic marker comprises phosphatidylserine or a group derived from phosphatidylserine, thrombospondin-1, annexin I, or a derivative of any of these.

A method of identifying peptides originating from a particular cell type and being capable of binding to MHC molecules of a particular haplotype is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a cell type expressing a soluble and secreted form of the MHC molecules of the particular haplotype; collecting the soluble and secreted form of the MHC molecules of the particular haplotype; and analyzing peptides bound to the soluble and secreted form of the MHC molecules of the particular haplotype, thereby identifying the peptides originating from the particular cell type and being capable of binding to MHC molecules of the particular haplotype.

Methods are described for mapping a pathway of differentiation of a population of embryonic cells which includes exposing the cells to an exogenous factor and measuring gene expression products that are characteristic of a particular cell type or lineage. Directing differentiation of human embryonic cells relies on dissociated embryoid bodies which are then exposed to one or more exogenous factors to enrich a culture for a particular cell type. The differentiated cells may be used for treating a medical condition in a human. Kits for determining differentiation pathways and screening exogenous factors for their utility in differentiation are provided.

The present invention provides a fluorescent silica-based nanoparticle that allows for precise detection, characterization, monitoring and treatment of a disease such as cancer. The nanoparticle has a range of diameters including between about 0.1 nm and about 100 nm, between about 0.5 nm and about 50 nm, between about 1 nm and about 25 nm, between about 1 nm and about 15 nm, or between about 1 nm and about 8 nm. The nanoparticle has a fluorescent compound positioned within the nanoparticle, and has greater brightness and fluorescent quantum yield than the free fluorescent compound. The nanoparticle also exhibits high biostability and biocompatibility. To facilitate efficient urinary excretion of the nanoparticle, it may be coated with an organic polymer, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The small size of the nanoparticle, the silica base and the organic polymer coating minimizes the toxicity of the nanoparticle when administered in vivo. In order to target a specific cell type, the nanoparticle may further be conjugated to a ligand, which is capable of binding to a cellular component associated with the specific cell type, such as a tumor marker. In one embodiment, a therapeutic agent may be attached to the nanoparticle. To permit the nanoparticle to be detectable by not only optical fluorescence imaging, but also other imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), computerized tomography (CT), bioluminescence imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radionuclides / radiometals or paramagnetic ions may be conjugated to the nanoparticle.

The present invention describes recombinant adenoviral vectors modified by incorporating targeting ligands or label into viral capsid or structural proteins. In one embodiment, single-chain antibody was introduced into the minor capsid proteins pIIIa or pIX so that the adenoviral vector can be targeted to a particular cell type. In another embodiment, there is provided a noninvasive imaging strategy useful for monitoring the replication and spread of conditionally replicative adenoviral vectors. Viral structural proteins such as pIX capsid protein, core proteins mu, V and VII were expressed as fusion protein with a fluorescent label. Once incorporated into the virions, detection of the structural fusion protein label would indicate the localization of the disseminated viral progeny. The detected fluorescent signals also closely correlate with the level of viral replication and progeny production.

The present invention relates to retroviral vectors, particularly lentiviral vectors, pseudotyped with Sindbis envelope and targeted to specific cell types via a targeting moiety linked to the envelope.

A method for producing viral gene delivery vehicles which can be transferred to pre-selected cell types by using targeting conjugates. The gene delivery vehicles comprise: 1) the gene of interest; and 2) a viral capsid or envelope carrying a member of a specific binding pair, the counterpart of which is not directly associated with the surface of the target cell. These vehicles can be rendered unable to bind to their natural cell receptor. The targeting conjugates include the counterpart member of the specific binding pair, linked to a targeting moiety which is a cell-type specific ligand (or fragments thereof). The number of the specific binding pair present on the viral vehicles can be, for example, an immunoglobulin binding moiety (e.g., capable of binding to a Fc fragment, protein A, protein G, FcR or an anti-Ig antibody), or biotin, avidin or streptavidin. The virus' outer membrane or capsid may contain a substance which mediates entrance of the gene delivery vehicle into the target cell. Due to the specificity of the ligand, the binding pair's high affinity, and the gene delivery vehicle's inability to be targeted when used alone, the universality of the method for gene delivery, together with its high cell type selectively can be achieved by using various targeting conjugates.

A polyanionic polymer can improve the bioactivity and water-solubility properties of a drug to which it is joined. The inventive method provides a monodispersed preparation of a recombinantly-produced polyanionic polymer that can be easily manipulated, such as lengthened. An active moiety may be chemically or recombinantly joined to a polyanionic polymer to increase its biological half-life and / or solubility. The instant invention also provides a method for targeting the delivery of a polyanionic polymer conjugate or fusion protein to a specific cell type or tissue.

The subject invention provides liposome formulations that are capable of specifically targeting cell types. The subject invention also provides for the encapsulation of new chemical entities (NCE) or other drug candidate molecules (DCM) within liposomes that specifically target a particular cell type. The subject invention, advantageously, solubilizes compounds, with low solubility in aqueous environments, and permits screening of these compounds against intact cells for biological activity in the absence of detergents that can damage cell membranes. Also provided are methods of preparing liposome formulations that target a specific cell type and methods of delivering therapeutic agents to target cells.

The present invention features a compound having the formula A-X-B, where A is peptide vector capable of enhancing transport of the compound across the blood-brain barrier or into particular cell types, X is a linker, and B is a peptide therapeutic. The compounds of the invention can be used to treat any disease for which the peptide therapeutic is useful.

A global functional analysis of HCMV genes is performed by constructing virus gene-deletion mutants and examining their growth phenotypes in different natural HCMV host cells. This systematic analysis of the HCMV genome identified 45 viral ORFs essential for viral replication and characterizes of 115 growth-dispensable viral genes. Of particular interest is the finding that HCMV encodes genes (temperance factors) that repress its own replication on a cell type-specific basis. In addition to HCMV, pathogen temperance may be a strategy employed by other infectious agents to enhance their long-term survivability within their respective host population.

The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for cell separation. In particular, the invention relates to separation of a particular cell type from a mixture of different cell types based on the differential rolling property of the particular cell type on a substrate coated with molecules that exhibits adhesive property with the particular cell type. This technology is adaptable for use in implantable shunts and devices for cell trafficking or tumor neutralization.

While genetic engineering has undergone rapid advancement with the discovery of CRISPR / Cas9, there is room for improvement for genetic circuit control, precision (reducing circuit ‘leakiness’) and delivery into living systems. The claimed invention offers programmable and precise regulation of dCas9 functions in response to multiple molecular signals by using synthetic gene circuits, greatly expanding applications. Moreover, using the system to greatest therapeutic potential has been greatly limited by the restrictive cargo size of existing viral delivery systems. By splitting dCas9 into multiple sections, the delivery size of synthetic gene circuits is greatly reduced. By exchanging split dCas9 domains, differential regulation on one gene, or activating two different genes in response to cell-type specific microRNAs is illustrated. Practical applications of the illustrative examples include engineered sensory switches including indicators for bladder cancer as well as enhanced systems for adenovirus delivery, cellular regulation, plant cell modification and potential therapeutic applications.

The present invention relates to a method for identifying a specific type and / or state of a mammalian cell in a sample obtained from a mammal, comprising a) analyzing the relative amount of accessible chromatin in regions that are specific for a cell-type and / or cellular state in the genome of said cell, b) comparing said relative amount of accessible chromatin said in regions with the relative amount of accessible chromatin in regions in the genome of said cell that are unspecific for a cell-type and / or cellular state, and c) deducing the specific type and / or state of said mammalian cell in said sample based on said comparison. Preferably, said identifying further comprises a relative quantification of said specific cell type and / or state based on said comparison. The method can further comprise a diagnosis of a predisposition to a disease or a disease based on said identification. Kits and certain markers in regions of accessible chromatin in the genome are described, too.

A polyanionic polymer can improve the bioactivity and water-solubility properties of a drug to which it is joined. The inventive method provides a monodispersed preparation of a recombinantly-produced polyanionic polymer that can be easily manipulated, such as lengthened. An active moiety may be chemically or recombinantly joined to a polyanionic polymer to increase its biological half-life and / or solubility. The instant invention also provides a method for targeting the delivery of a polyanionic polymer conjugate or fusion protein to a specific cell type or tissue.

Drug delivery to the pulmonary system has been achieved by encapsulation of the drug to be delivered in microparticles having a size range between 0.5 and ten microns, preferably in the range of two to five microns, formed of a material releasing drug at a pH of greater than 6.4. In a preferred embodiment, the drug delivery system is based on the formation of diketopiperazine microparticles which are stable at a pH of 6.4 or less and unstable at pH of greater than 6.4, or which are stable at both acidic and basic pH, but which are unstable at pH between about 6.4 and 8. Other types of materials can also be used, including biodegradable natural and synthetic polymers, such as proteins, polymers of mixed amino acids (proteinoids), alginate, and poly(hydroxy acids). In another embodiment, the microparticles have been modified to effect targeting to specific cell types and to effect release only after reaching the targeted cells.

The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for cell separation. In particular, the invention relates to separation of a particular cell type from a mixture of different cell types based on the differential rolling property of the particular cell type on a substrate coated with molecules that exhibits adhesive property with the particular cell type. This technology is adaptable for use in implantable shunts and devices for cell trafficking or tumor neutralization.

A differential extraction system is directed to a microfluidic-based integrated cartridge to automate differential extraction of specific cell types within a mixed sample. The integrated cartridge includes a sonication module for selective cell lysis, separating means to eliminate centrifugation, high surface area pillar chip modules to purify DNA from a cell lysate, and microfluidic circuitry to integrate the steps in an automated platform.

A drug complex for delivery of a drug or other agent to a target cell, comprising a targeting carrier molecule which is selectively distributed to a specific cell type or tissue containing the specific cell type; a linker which is acted upon by a molecule which is present at an effective concentration in the environs of the specific cell type; and a drug or an agent to be delivered to the specific cell type. In particular, a drug complex for delivering a cytotoxic drug to prostate cancer cells, comprising a targeting carrier molecule which is selectively delivered to prostate tissue, bone or both; a peptide which is a substrate for prostate specific antigen; and a cytotoxic drug which is toxic to androgen independent prostate cancer cells.

The invention provides methods for isolating cell-type specific mRNAs by selectively isolating ribosomes or proteins that bind mRNA in a cell type specific manner, and, thereby, the mRNA bound to the ribosomes or proteins that bind mRNA. Ribosomes, which are riboprotein complexes, bind mRNA that is being actively translated in cells. According to the methods of the invention, cells are engineered to express a molecularly tagged ribosomal protein or protein that binds mRNA by introducing into the cell a nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a ribosomal protein or protein that binds mRNA fused to a nucleotide sequence encoding a peptide tag. The tagged ribosome or mRNA binding protein can then be isolated, along with the mRNA bound to the tagged ribosome or mRNA binding protein, and the mRNA isolated and further used for gene expression analysis. The methods of the invention facilitate the analysis and quantification of gene expression in the selected cell type present within a heterogeneous cell mixture, without the need to isolate the cells of that cell type as a preliminary step.

The present invention features a compound having the formula A-X—B, where A is peptide vector capable of enhancing transport of the compound across the blood-brain barrier or into particular cell types, X is a linker, and B is a peptide therapeutic selected from the group consisting of neurotensin, a neurotensin analog, or a neurotensin receptor agonist. The compounds of the invention can be used to treat any disease in which increased neurotensin activity is useful and can be used to induce hypothermia or analgesia.

The present invention relates to non-lethal methods of conditioning a recipient for bone marrow transplantation. In particular, it relates to the use of nonlethal doses of total body irradiation, total lymphoid irradiation, cell type-specific or cell marker-specific antibodies, especially antibodies directed to bone marrow stromal cell markers, NK cells, or the CD8 cell marker, cytotoxic drugs, or a combination thereof. The methods of the invention have a wide range of applications, including, but not limited to, the conditioning of an individual for hematopoietic reconstitution by bone marrow transplantation for the treatment of hematologic malignancies, hematologic disorders, autoimmunity, infectious diseases such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and the engraftment of bone marrow cells to induce tolerance for solid organ, tissue and cellular transplantation.

The present invention provides human involucrin (hINV) sequences having tissue specific and cell type specific promoter activity. The sequences provided herein direct expression to suprabasal cells of stratifying epithelia. The invention further provides methods for the production of transgenic animals which contain a hINV promoter sequence which directs the expression of human papillomavirus 16 oncogenes (or other oncogenes). These animals display cervical and epidermal hyperplasias as well as cancer of the trachea, esophagus, colon, epidermis, anus / rectum, lymph nodes, spleen and lung. The animals of the invention provide a useful model for screening potential anti-neoplastic compounds, carcinogens, and co-carcinogens for a number of cancers.

A method of identifying peptides originating from a particular cell type and being capable of binding to MHC molecules of a particular haplotype is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a cell type expressing a soluble and secreted form of the MHC molecules of the particular haplotype; collecting the soluble and secreted form of the MHC molecules of the particular haplotype; and analyzing peptides bound to the soluble and secreted form of the MHC molecules of the particular haplotype, thereby identifying the peptides originating from the particular cell type and being capable of binding to MHC molecules of the particular haplotype.

The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for neutralizing cancer cells. In particular, the invention relates to separating of cancer cell type from a mixture of different cell types based on the differential rolling property of cancer cell on a substrate coated with a first molecules that exhibits adhesive property with the particular cell type and neutralizing the cancer cell by a second molecule that is also coated on the substrate. This technology is adaptable for use in vivo, in vitro, or ex vivo tumor neutralization.