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Stem Cell Related Patent Number US5556782
| Title: | Transformed mammalian cells capable of expressing cecropin b | | Inventors: | Cooper, Richard K.; Baton Rouge, LA, USA
Enright, Frederick M.; Baton Rouge, LA, USA | | Summary: | Described herein are transformed mammalian cells which are capable of expressing cecropin B. The invention relates to novel methods by which the resistance of a mammalian host to diseases caused by intracellular bacteria, protozoa, and viruses may be enhanced. Claims of the invention include augmentation of the host's defenses against infectious diseases or tumors by use of the gene encoding the lytic peptide cecropin B, such that the host's own leukocytes are transformed by this peptide, and expression of the gene is induced when needed to combat pathogens. Further disclosed are the means by which hematopoietic stem cells are transformed by a mammalian cell with plasmid pCEP or a restriction digest of plasmid pCEP in the presence of isopropyl-?-D-thiogalactopyranoside, wherein the plasmid pCEP is equivalent to the plasmid contained in the E. coli strain having ATCC accession number 69342, and whereby incorporation of the cecropin B gene into the mammalian cell's genome is promoted. Therapeutic applications are included for the treatment of bacterial disease, viral disease and tumors. | | Abstract: | Novel means have been discovered for increasing the resistance of a mammalian host (including humans) to diseases caused by intracellular bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. Novel means have also been found for treating tumors. Augmentation of the host's defenses against infectious diseases or tumors is achieved by arming the host's cells with a gene encoding the lytic peptide cecropin B. The host's own leukocytes, other cells involved in resistance to infection, or other cells are transformed, and expression of the gene is induced when needed to combat pathogens. Transfection of hematopoietic stem cells with the cecropin B gene will enhance disease resistance in mammals; and transfection of TIL (tumor infiltrating lymphocytes) cells or other cells can be used in the treatment of tumors. The transformed cells have the ability to produce and secrete a broad spectrum chemotherapeutic agent which has a systemic effect on certain pathogens, particularly pathogens that might otherwise evade or overcome host defenses. The peptide's expression is preferably induced only in areas of infection, where it will most effectively augment the host's defense systems. Expression of the exogenous gene does not damage a healthy recipient cell. | | US Patent Website: | Click Here for Full Text of Patent | | Title Number: | US5556782 | | Application Number: | US1995000450252 | | Date Filed: | 25/05/1995 | | Date Published: | 17/09/1996 | | Assignee: | Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, Baton Rouge, LA, USA |
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