University of Pennsylvania

Tr Associates, L.l.c.

Guoxing Zheng

Mark L Tykocinski

Aoshuang Chen

Methods for transferring one or more proteins to a cell are disclosed. The protein or proteins to be transferred are in the form of a fusion protein, and contain at least one domain encoding for a protein or peptide having trans signaling and/or adhesion function. The fusion protein is transferred to a cell by binding to a lipidated protein, which has been incorporated into the cell membrane. In an additional aspect of the invention, methods of making fusion proteins having cis signaling capabilities, as well as the ability to bind with receptors on the cell's own surface, are provided. Fusion proteins incorporating GPI or a homing element, and a costimulator or inhibitor domain can also be directly transferred to the cell surface. Methods for using cells which have undergone protein transfer according to the present methods are also disclosed. This includes use in a cancer vaccine, use for treatment of cancer or autoimmune disease, and use in determining costimulator threshold levels.

Auto-stimulating cells and methods for making and using the same

Methods for transferring one or more proteins to a cell are disclosed. The protein or proteins to be transferred are in the form of a fusion protein, and contain at least one domain encoding for a protein or peptide having trans signaling and/or adhesion function. The fusion protein is transferred to a cell by binding to a lipidated protein, which has been incorporated into the cell membrane. Methods for using cells which have undergone protein transfer according to the present methods are also disclosed. This includes use in a cancer vaccine, use for treatment of cancer or autoimmune disease, and use in determining costimulator threshold levels.

Growing community of inventors

Philadelphia, PA, United States of America

Guoxing Zheng