Open Competition (October 1999)

T Cell Production in an Artificial Thymus

Sponsor: Cytomatrix

• Project duration: 11/1/1999 - 10/31/2002
• Total project (est.): $2,250,000.00
• Requested ATP funds: $1,750,000.00

Cancer, viral infections, immunosuppression, and other conditions can be treated by boosting the body's immune system. Among the most powerful parts of the immune system are T lymphocytes, which, in conjunction with accessory cells, can produce highly specific and effective responses to many foreign agents. T cells are made in the thymus gland. In a three-year ATP project, Cytomatrix will attempt to develop an artificial thymus prototype capable of producing functional T cells for immunotherapy. The natural thymic environment will be recreated in the company's biocompatible, three-dimensional cell growth matrix called Cellfoam, which is made of metal and carbon. The device enables the long-term growth of stem cells and their natural differentiation into T cells -- without the addition of serum or other factors that might enhance differentiation but disrupt the balance and value of the cells produced. The ATP project will optimize production of T cells, develop T cells that are specific to targeted antigens, and test the therapy in an animal model. The project will focus on developing a Cellfoam bioreactor for use outside the body; eventually, the company hopes to produce an implantable device. Among its advantages, the proposed technology will enable the production of T cells tailored to fight specific diseases. Cytomatrix sought private-sector funding but was unsuccessful because of the early stage and high risk of the research. The ATP support could hasten development of the artificial thymus by up to three years, cutting time to market from as much as 10 years to five. If successfully developed and commercialized, the new technology will enhance treatments for some illnesses or even cure or prevent them, while increasing the nation's productivity by reducing workdays lost due to illness. The demand for this type of product is great: The annual U.S. market for T cells produced in an artificial thymus is approximately $2 billion, and about one-tenth of the U.S. population (20 million people) undergo some form of immunotherapy each year.

For project information:

Michael Rosenzweig, (781) 939-0995
cytomat@msn.com

ATP Project Manager

Michael Amos, (301) 975-8631
michael.amos@nist.gov