Location History:
- Boston, MA (US) (2021)
- Mountain View, CA (US) (2017 - 2023)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2017-2023
Title: **Innovative Contributions of Melissa N. McCracken in Cancer Immunotherapy**
Introduction
Melissa N. McCracken is an accomplished inventor based in Mountain View, California, recognized for her significant contributions to the field of cancer immunotherapy. With a total of five patents to her name, she has been at the forefront of developing novel agents that enhance immune responses against cancer, particularly through her work on PD-1 mimic polypeptides and their applications in immunotherapy.
Latest Patents
Among her latest innovations, Melissa's patented inventions include high affinity PD-1 agents and methods of use. These high affinity PD-1 mimic polypeptides consist of amino acid changes relative to the wild-type PD-1 protein, providing an increased affinity for PD-L1. This groundbreaking work enables the modulation of immune cell activity in mammals by administering a therapeutic dose of pharmaceutical compositions, which are designed to block interactions between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2.
Additionally, Melissa developed methods for enhancing immune responsiveness toward target cancer cell populations comprised of apoptotic cells. By utilizing a fusion protein that incorporates a phosphatidylserine binding domain with an immunostimulatory domain, her methods restore immune responses to dead tumor cells. This innovation promotes the recruitment and retention of tumor antigen-specific immune effector cells, thereby fostering effective anti-tumor immunity and improving responses to various cancer treatments, including immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Career Highlights
Melissa currently works at Stanford University, where she continues her research in cancer immunotherapy. Her work has not only advanced the scientific understanding of immune responses in oncology but has also opened new avenues for therapeutic developments in the treatment of cancer. Her unwavering commitment to addressing complex challenges in cancer biology has made her a respected figure in her field.
Collaborations
Throughout her career, Melissa has collaborated with notable peers, including Aaron Michael Ring and Irving L. Weissman. These collaborations have further enhanced her research efforts and contributed to the collective advancements in cancer immunology.
Conclusion
Melissa N. McCracken’s innovative contributions to the field of cancer immunotherapy underscore the critical role of targeted interventions in enhancing immune responses to fight cancer. As she continues her work at Stanford University, her inventions and collaborative efforts hold great promise for improving cancer treatment modalities and patient outcomes in the future.
Inventor’s Patent Attorneys refers to legal professionals with specialized expertise in representing inventors throughout the patent process. These attorneys assist inventors in navigating the complexities of patent law, including filing patent applications, conducting patent searches, and protecting intellectual property rights. They play a crucial role in helping inventors secure patents for their innovative creations.