Enhanced activation of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells by a vaccine targeting CD244 or CD48

Researchers at Stanford have developed a microparticle-based vaccine that in a single shot enables enhanced activation of CD8+ and/or CD4+ T cells to fight against infectious diseases and cancer. Development of T cell-directed vaccines are important to prevent infectious diseases especially the chronic and persistent ones caused by complex pathogens in case of HIV and malaria. Though the challenge lies in inducing activation of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in sufficient magnitude. Similarly, cancer immunotherapies can benefit from a robust priming of CD8+ and CD4+ T cell to achieve effective tumor killing. This vaccine platform offers a promising solution whereby a single delivery of microparticles with antibodies against receptor CD244 (2B4, SLAMF4) or CD48 (SLAMF2) can allow sufficient CD8+ and CD4+ T cells activation. Additionally, the technology has the potential to treat allergic and autoimmune diseases if administrated alone or in combination with immunosuppressive molecules.

anti-CD244 targeted microparticles (TMPs) prime antigen specific CD8+ T cells in vivo
image credit: inventor

Stage of Development
Technology has been demonstrated in mice.