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 - 53 . (canceled) 
     
     
         54 . A system for removing a target component from a body fluid of a patient, the system comprising:
 a sequestering chamber;   an inlet coupled to the sequestering chamber and configured to receive the body fluid; and   a capture support disposed within the sequestering chamber, wherein:
 the capture support comprises a solid support having an aptamer immobilized thereon; and 
 the aptamer is selected to bind to the target component. 
   
     
     
         55 . The system of  claim 54 , wherein the target component comprises an immune inhibitor. 
     
     
         56 . The system of  claim 55 , wherein the immune inhibitor comprises a soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (sTNF-R). 
     
     
         57 . The system of  claim 56 , wherein the target component comprises an sTNF-R1. 
     
     
         58 . The system of  claim 54 , wherein the target component will bind to an antibody selected from the group of Immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM. 
     
     
         59 . The system of  claim 54 , further comprising:
 an access port coupled to the sequestering chamber and configured to facilitate insertion and/or removal of the capture support to or from the sequestering chamber.