This invention is a novel therapy for cancer using Hox B4 to induce apoptosis in leukemia cell lines.
Background & Unmet Need:
B‑cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the most common type of leukemia in adults. The B cells grow uncontrollably and invade the bone marrow and blood where they crowd out the healthy cells. There is a need to find therapies that can stop this uncontrollable growth. Homeobox B4 (Hox B4) is a protein that is involved in development. Expression of this protein expands hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in vivo and in vitro, making Hox B4 a potential candidate for therapeutic stem cell expansion.
Technology Description:
WSU researchers have developed a novel therapy which causes hematological leukemia cell lines to undergo apoptosis based on a newly discovered apoptotic effect of Hox B4. Investigators have shown effectiveness in several cell lines including pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia, diffuse large cell lymphoma follicular small cleaved cell lymphoma, and Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia. Collectively these cell lines cover almost the entire phenotypic spectrum of B-cell malignancies. Continuing research will focus on showing the effects of this protein on cancer cells via an intravenous administration route.
Commercial Applications:
ยท Cancer therapeutic
Stage of Development:
Preclinical
Competitive Advantages:
Intellectual Property Status:
No patent information available
Related Publications or Citations of Work:
None