Company Filing History:
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1 out of 832,966 Years Active: 1999-2004
Title: Innovations by John D Mountz in Gene Therapy
Introduction
John D Mountz is a prominent inventor based in Birmingham, AL (US), known for his significant contributions to the field of gene therapy. With a total of 5 patents, he has developed innovative methods to enhance the efficacy of adenoviral gene therapy while addressing immune response challenges.
Latest Patents
One of Mountz's latest patents focuses on "Controlling immune response to specific antigens." This invention addresses a major issue in adenovirus gene therapy, where T-cell mediated immune responses can lead to the rapid clearance of the virus and loss of transgene expression. The invention proposes a method to prevent this immune response by pre-treating with adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, or herpes virus-infected antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that express Fas ligand, inducing T-cell tolerance. This approach results in prolonged expression of the LacZ transgene in tolerized animals compared to control groups. Additionally, his patent on the "Method for the augmentation of gene expression" provides a technique for increasing adenoviral gene expression in animal tissues through the administration of tumor necrosis factor binding protein, which also helps reduce inflammatory responses associated with adenoviral administration.
Career Highlights
Mountz has worked with the UAB Research Foundation at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he has contributed to groundbreaking research in gene therapy. His work has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of immune responses in gene therapy applications.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Mountz has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Huang-Ge Zhang and Tong Zhou, enhancing the impact of his research through teamwork and shared expertise.
Conclusion
John D Mountz's innovative work in gene therapy has led to significant advancements in controlling immune responses and augmenting gene expression. His contributions continue to shape the future of gene therapy, making a lasting impact in the field.