Cancer cells evade immune detection by overexpressing checkpoint molecules such as CD47, which blocks macrophage phagocytosis through the SIRP-α pathway. Existing CD47-targeting therapeutics, including monoclonal antibodies and siRNA-based approaches, face safety concerns, off-target toxicity, and delivery limitations. Conventional whole-cell cancer vaccines also suffer reduced efficacy because tumor immune evasion signals remain intact. A new strategy is needed to safely overcome tumor-mediated immune suppression while enabling potent and durable systemic anti-cancer immunity.
The invention introduces a genome-edited whole-cell cancer vaccine generated by knocking out the CD47 gene in tumor cells using CRISPR/Cas9. The modified cells are rendered non-replicating but metabolically active through gamma irradiation, preserving immunogenicity while preventing proliferation. Removal of CD47 enhances macrophage-mediated phagocytosis and downstream antigen presentation, leading to strong adaptive immune activation. Optional edits include PD-L1 knockout and insertion of immune-stimulatory genes such as GM-CSF. Together, these modifications block major immune suppression pathways while promoting broad antigen exposure, producing durable tumor immunity with minimal systemic side effects.
• Permanently eliminates tumor immune evasion by removing CD47 and other checkpoint genes
• Enhances macrophage-mediated phagocytosis and T-cell activation for stronger anti-tumor responses
• Minimizes off-target effects compared to systemic antibody blockade of CD47
• Preserves cellular immunogenicity through non-apoptotic gamma irradiation
• Enables combination strategies with checkpoint inhibitors for synergistic therapy
• Provides a flexible platform for personalized or allogeneic cancer vaccine development
• United States, 62/743,801, Provisional, filed 10/10/2018, converted 10/9/2019
• United States, 16/596,829, Utility Patent, filed 10/9/2019, issued 6/17/2025 as US 12,331,320, status: Patented
• United States, 19/030,374, Utility Patent, filed 1/17/2025, status: Filed
Prototype
This technology is available for licensing.
Well-suited for companies developing next-generation cancer vaccines, cell-based immunotherapies, and combination immunotherapy platforms targeting solid tumors, hematologic cancers, and personalized oncology applications.
Information available upon request.