Novel Inhibitors of Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin (TSLP) for Cancer Therapy

E-019-2011

The National Institute on Aging, Immunotherapeutics Unit, is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to co- develop, evaluate, or commercialize clinical application of Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin (TSLP)in cancers. This includes compositions and methods of using antagonists of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) to prevent cancer progression and metastasis.

TSLP, an IL-7-like type 1 inflammatory cytokine that is often associated with the induction of Th2-type allergic responses in the lungs, is also expressed in cancers regulating their escape (1-3). The cancer-promoting activity of TSLP primarily required signaling through the TSLP receptor on CD4+ T cells, promoting Th2-skewed immune responses and production of immunosuppressive factors such as IL-10 and IL-13. Expression of TSLP therefore may be a useful prognostic marker and its targeting could have therapeutic potential. Inactivation of TSLP expression or its receptor signaling can effectively control cancer progression and metastasis (1).   

Applications:

• In treatments to control cancer invasion and spreading
• Cancer treatment that circumvents cancer-induced immune suppression
• As a means to augment anti-tumor immune responses
• For the development of prognostic markers for disease outcome in cancer patients

Inventors: 
Arya Biragyn (NIA), Warren J. Leonard (NHLBI)

Patent Status: 
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/416,619 filed 11/23/2010

Keywords: Therapeutic, cancer

Licensing Status:  Available for licensing.
Contact Information: 
Patrick P. McCue, Ph.D.
301-435-5560
mccuepat@mail.nih.gov

Co-development Research Opportunity: Available for collaborative research.
Contact Information: 
Nicole Guyton, Ph.D.
240-276-5493
darackn@mail.nih.gov

Please reference abstract #1199

Last updated: 03/30/2011

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