Ran Afik

Title: The Innovative Work of Ran Afik in Cellular Therapy

Introduction

Ran Afik, an accomplished inventor based in Rehovot, Israel, has made significant strides in the field of cellular therapy. With a remarkable portfolio of six patents, his innovative work focuses on enhancing transplantation and disease treatment through advanced methodologies.

Latest Patents

Among his latest achievements, Afik has developed a groundbreaking patent titled "Anti Third Party Central Memory T Cells, Methods of Producing Same and Use of Same in Transplantation and Disease Treatment." This method outlines a process for generating an isolated population of anti-third party cells exhibiting a central memory T-lymphocyte (Tcm) phenotype. These cells are characterized by their ability to induce tolerance and exhibit a strong anti-disease response, specifically designed to homing to lymph nodes after transplantation. The method consists of two key steps: first, the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) are exposed to a third-party antigen in the presence of IL-21 to enrich antigen-reactive cells. Second, these cells are cultured in an antigen-free environment with IL-21, IL-15, and IL-7 to facilitate the proliferation of Tcm phenotype cells.

Career Highlights

Ran Afik is a pivotal contributor at Yeda Research and Development Co. Ltd., where his expertise in immunology and cellular biology comes into play. His inventive approaches aim to push the boundaries of current medical treatments, particularly in transplantation and immunotherapy.

Collaborations

Afik collaborates with notable colleagues, including Assaf Lask and Eran Ophir, who contribute to the innovative projects at Yeda Research. Their combined expertise creates a dynamic environment for research and development, fostering new breakthroughs in the field.

Conclusion

Ran Afik exemplifies the spirit of innovation, utilizing his deep knowledge and creativity to develop advanced techniques that can change the landscape of disease treatment and transplantation. With his cutting-edge patents and collaborative efforts at Yeda Research, Afik is undoubtedly a leading figure in the realm of cellular therapies.