System and method for removal of immune inhibitors from biological fluids

Abstract

The present system and method are useful for the removal of immune inhibitors such as soluble TNF receptors from the body fluid of cancer patients. In some embodiments, soluble TNF-Receptors 1 and 2 are selectively removed from plasma at 80% or more efficiency. In some embodiments, the system includes an immobilized capture ligand of a single chain TNFα. The system and method are useful for the treatment of different cancer types, stages and severity.

1 - 41 . (canceled) 
     
     
         42 . A system for removing a target component from a body fluid of a patient, the system comprising:
 a housing;   an inlet coupled to the housing and configured to receive the body fluid;   a plurality of sequestering chambers disposed within the housing; and   a plurality of flow control valves respectively coupled between the inlet and one of the plurality of chambers.   
     
     
         43 . The system of  claim 42 , wherein each flow control valve is coupled directly to the inlet. 
     
     
         44 . The system of  claim 42 , wherein:
 each of the plurality of flow control valves can independently be open or closed;   an open flow control valve enables a portion of the body fluid to flow into the respective one of the plurality of chambers; and   a closed flow control valve prevents the body fluid from flowing into the respective one of the plurality of chambers.   
     
     
         45 . The system of  claim 42 , further comprising an outlet coupled to the housing and configured to receive the body fluid from the plurality of chambers. 
     
     
         46 . The system of  claim 45 , further comprising a plurality of filters disposed within the housing so as to separate the plurality of chambers from the inlet and the outlet. 
     
     
         47 . The system of  claim 42 , further comprising a capture support disposed within one of the plurality of chambers and configured to bind to a target component. 
     
     
         48 . The system of  claim 47 , wherein the capture support comprises a plurality of capture supports respectively disposed within the plurality of chambers and respectively configured to bind to one of a plurality of target components. 
     
     
         49 . The system of  claim 47 , wherein:
 the capture support comprises a portion of a tumor necrosis factor (TNF); and   the target component comprises a soluble TNF receptor.   
     
     
         50 . The system of  claim 49 , wherein the capture support comprises a single chain TNF. 
     
     
         51 . The system of  claim 50 , wherein the single chain TNF comprises at least three TNF monomers or portions thereof. 
     
     
         52 . The system of  claim 42 , wherein the capture support comprises a solid support. 
     
     
         53 . The system of  claim 52 , wherein the capture support comprises ligands bound to beads.