Patents by Inventor Lance HELLMAN

Lance HELLMAN has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10526391
    Abstract: Molecular constructs and dual recognition constructs having a sequence encoding a TCR affinity weakening motif, and DNA and RNA sequences corresponding thereto, are presented. Modified T-cells and other cells transformed with the molecular contracts express a modified TCR that imparts a reduction, in non-specific binding, -an enhancement of binding specificity and an enhancement of binding affinity for a target antigen, compared to non-transformed (wild-type, native) T-cells, are described. The modified TCRs possess an affinity enhancing motif and an affinity weakening motif. Methods of transforming cells and methods of using enriched populations of transformed cells, in the treatment of cancer and infections arid T-cell mediated pathologies are provided. The affinity weakening motif imparts a weakened interaction, of a TCR with major histocompatibility complex proteins, such as HLA proteins in humans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignees: The University of Notre Dame du Lac, University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Brian Baker, Lance Hellman, Brian Pierce, Zhiping Weng
  • Patent number: 10457716
    Abstract: The instant disclosure provides a microscale method for providing correctly folded, and assembled biologically active proteins in an efficient and shorted time frame, compared to conventional protein production techniques. Proteins produced from inclusion bodies and other aggregated protein sources are provided. Microscale production of correctly folded and assembled class I MHC protein and complexes thereof are also provided for, as well as for high throughput production for use in epitope discovery protocols. Microscale production of complex proteins from protein aggregates and preparations containing protein aggregates is provided that requires less than 24 hours of processing time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: University of Notre Dame du Lac
    Inventors: Brian M Baker, Lance Hellman
  • Publication number: 20170333524
    Abstract: Molecular constructs and dual recognition constructs having a sequence encoding a TCR affinity weakening motif, and DNA and RNA sequences corresponding thereto, are presented. Modified T-cells and other cells transformed with the molecular contracts express a modified TCR that imparts a reduction, in non-specific binding, an enhancement of binding specificity and an enhancement of binding affinity for a target antigen, compared to non-transformed (wild-type, native) T-cells, are described. The modified TCRs possess an affinity enhancing motif and an affinity weakening motif. Methods of transforming cells and methods of using enriched populations of transformed cells, in the treatment of cancer and infections arid T-cell mediated pathologies are provided. The affinity weakening motif imparts a weakened interaction, of a TCR with major histocompatibility complex proteins, such as HLA proteins in humans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Brian BAKER, Lance HELLMAN, Brian PIERCE, Zhiping WENG
  • Publication number: 20160039907
    Abstract: The instant disclosure provides a microscale method for providing correctly folded, and assembled biologically active proteins in an efficient and shorted time frame, compared to conventional protein production techniques. Proteins produced from inclusion bodies and other aggregated protein sources are provided. Microscale production of correctly folded and assembled class I MHC protein and complexes thereof are also provided for, as well as for high throughput production for use in epitope discovery protocols. Microscale production of complex proteins from protein aggregates and preparations containing protein aggregates is provided that requires less than 24 hours of processing time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Brian M. BAKER, Lance HELLMAN