allogeneic polymer-encapsulated IL-2-secreting retinal pigmented epithelial cells AVB-001

A preparation of polymer-encapsulated cells, obtained from the human immortalized retinal pigment epithelia (RPE) cell line ARPE-19, that have been genetically engineered to express the human cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2; IL2), with potential immunomodulatory and antineoplastic activities. Upon intraperitoneal administration, allogeneic polymer-encapsulated IL-2-secreting RPE cells AVB-001 produces IL-2 locally, which binds to the IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) and activates IL-2/IL-2R-mediated signaling. This activates cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells and induces expression of certain cytotoxic cytokines, such as interferon-gamma (IFNg) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGFb). This leads to T-cell-mediated cytotoxic immune responses against tumor cells and inhibition of tumor cell proliferation. The local delivery of AVB-001 reduces systemic toxicities, and the polymer encapsulation allows for longer half-life.