This inventor holds 3 USPTO granted patents and 3 published patent applications, plus 2 CIPO patents. Top assignees: University of Illinois, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Other. Active years: 2018-2022.
Location History:
- Urbana, IL (US) (2018 - 2019)
- Champaign, IL (US) (2022)
Company Filing History:


Years Active: 2018-2022
Title: Sheena N Smith: Innovator in T Cell Receptor Engineering
Introduction
Sheena N Smith is a prominent inventor based in Urbana, IL (US). She has made significant contributions to the field of immunology, particularly in the engineering of T cell receptors (TCRs). With a total of 3 patents, her work focuses on enhancing the specificity and affinity of TCRs for targeted therapies.
Latest Patents
One of her latest patents involves the engineering of T cell receptors for the use as scaffolds in vitro. This patent outlines a method for isolating TCRs with de novo binding to specific peptide-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) products. The process includes mutagenizing a TCR protein coding sequence to create a library of mutants, followed by selection using directed evolution techniques. Another notable patent details the development of high-affinity TCRs that target the WT1 antigen. These TCRs are engineered through mutational libraries and can be utilized in various therapeutic settings, including adoptive T cell therapy.
Career Highlights
Sheena has worked at the University of Illinois, where she has been able to apply her innovative ideas in a collaborative research environment. Her work has not only advanced the understanding of T cell biology but has also opened new avenues for cancer immunotherapy.
Collaborations
Throughout her career, Sheena has collaborated with notable researchers such as David M Kranz and Daniel T Harris. These collaborations have enriched her research and contributed to the successful development of her patented technologies.
Conclusion
Sheena N Smith is a trailblazer in the field of T cell receptor engineering, with a focus on creating innovative solutions for targeted immunotherapies. Her contributions are paving the way for advancements in cancer treatment and immunology.