The Lymphocyte Signalling & Development ISP - Research into Action

Potential KEC Outputs: (tools, mechanism of actions, novel targets, products):

Through our work we expect to uncover novel targets of commercial interest.  Our experience of monoclonal antibody development has already led to new tools for academic research in this area.  Our group has indentified selective enzymes which if inhibited have an effect upon viral replication.  As this work develops we anticipate new therapeutic strategies targeting viral infection, in particular influenza. We have developed a number of knock-out mouse models that are provided to both academic and commercial organisations under a Material Transfer Agreements.

To date, the Lymphocyte Signalling & Development ISP has identified PH-dependent deamidation as a key mechanism that prevent cellular transformation. The ISP has also characterised the role of PI3Ks in lymphocyte development and function.

Potential KEC Recipients of the output

The Lymphocyte Signalling & Development ISP was the source of much of the technology that was licensed to Crescendo Biologics Ltd which was a spin-out company from the Institute. Autoimmune diseases are of significant importance to the pharmaceutical industry. We are aware of a plethora of clinical candidates being evaluated that modulate the PI3 Kinase signalling system. GSK, UCB-Celltech, Cellzome have UK-based operations to explore PI3Ks as targets for therapeutic interventions of autoimmunity and inflammation. The ISP has had IPA and CASE awards with GSK and UCB. We have also collaborated with clinical scientists at Addenbrooke’s hospital to evaluate novel therapeutic strategies. Members of the ISP have acted as consultants to companies involved in the PI3K-inhibitor development and monoclonal antibody-based therapies.

Current Relationships

The ISP has had a number of CASE awards with GSK and UCB. The ISP has also won IPA award with GSK. We have also worked with several other major pharmaceutical companies including Serono, UCB and Novartis; and with emerging bio-medicine companies such as Cellzome and Lorantis.

Current Intellectual Assets

Work in the Lymphocyte Signalling & Development ISP has yielded patens on “Cell Adhesion by Modified Cadherin Molecules” and “the treatment of cancer (by increasing intracellular pH)” Together with one of our academic partners we have submitted a patent application in potential therapeutic targets in viral replication.  In addition we have recently filed a patent that highlights the selectivity of a enzyme sub-type for cancer vs immune response.  An application for a cell growth medium has also been filed.

Commercial Collaborations

1 research collaboration with industry
(Klaus Okkenhaug and Marc Veldhoen)

2 CASE studentships (Turner and Okkenhaug groups)

1 consultancy agreement (Klaus Okkenhaug)

1 active patent application (Martin Turner, in collaboration with Drexel University)

A hybridoma developed by the Turner group has been licensed to a multi-national bioscience company.  A number of antibodies developed by the Butcher group are available through the Institute’s Antibody Facility.

Key publications from the Lymphocyte Signalling & Development ISP

Translating the ISP's Research into Action (KEC)

Public Engagement

Skills training