Abstract: The invention provides an isolated, purified population of human cells comprising CD8+ T cells with reduced Cbl-b activity. The invention provides uses of such cells in methods for inducing or enhancing an anti-tumor immune response in a subject. These methods comprise: (a) providing a cell population, from a subject or from another source, which comprises CD8+ T cells, (b) reducing Cbl-b activity in the CD8+ T-cells, (c) administering the cells of step (b) to the subject. The invention provides methods for making CD8+ T cells that do not require stimulation through a co-receptor in order for the cell to become activated or proliferated in response to contact via its T cell receptor. Such methods are based upon reducing function of Cbl-b. The invention also provides methods for identifying agents which affect Cbl-b expression or activity.
Type:
Application
Filed:
September 13, 2007
Publication date:
November 24, 2011
Applicants:
The Government of the United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Dept of the HH, THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK
Inventors:
Hua Gu, Richard Hodes, Jeffrey J. Chiang, Ihnkyung Jang