Dendritic-cell-based technology landscape: Insights from patents and citation networks

Abstract

As the most potent antigen-presenting cells, dendritic cells (DCs) are pivotal players in regulating immune responses. DC-based technologies have generated a series of typical and promising therapeutic options, especially after the first DC-based cancer vaccine was approved by US. Food and Drug Administration (US. FDA). In this context, this paper employs patents and citation networks to conduct a fundamental analysis in order to show overall landscape of DC-based technologies. The results in this research can be used as references for decision-making in developing efficacious DC therapeutic products.

Keywords:

• citation network
• dendritic cells
• immunotherapy
• patent landscape
• patent ownership
• patenting strategy
• technology development

Abbreviations:

• DC, dendritic cell
• R&D, research and development
• US. FDA, US. Food and Drug Administration
• USPC, US. Patent Classification
• US. PTO, US. Patent and Trademark Office

Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest

No potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully thank Ms. Xiaomei Geng, Mr. Zhiwei Fang, and Ms Jingyun Ni for their advice on data processing and manuscript preparation.

Funding

This study was financially supported by the University of Macau by the project MYRG119(Y1-L3)-ICMS12-HYJ.