IL-3 variant hematopoiesis fusion protein

Patent Number: 7091319

This patent covers fusion proteins of IL-3, that are useful for the growth, expansion, and in vivo expansion of stem cells. Although IL-3 and its fused partners are primarily important for hematopoietic stem cell expansion, the fusion proteins may have numerous other uses, including expanding hematopoietic-like stem cells that may be used for regenerative applications. The patent has numerous independent claims that essentially cover any protein fused with IL-3, as long as there is enhanced proliferative ability it the target cell or cell population. The patent covers combinations of IL-3 fused with general groups of proteins such as a colony stimulating factors, cytokines, lymphokines, interleukins, and hematopoietic growth factor. More specific claims are related to GM-CSF, CSF-1, G-CSF, G-CSF, Meg-CSF, M-CSF, erythropoietin IL-1, IL-4, IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-11, IL-12, IL-13, LIF, flt3/ligand, human growth hormone, B-cell growth factor, B-cell differentiation factor, eosinophil differentiation factor and stem cell factor as fusion parters, either the whole protein or peptides thereof. Additionally, the claims include coverage of methods of production, and pharmaceutical preparations of the fusion proteins.

View this patent on the USPTO website.