DNA encoding the T cell surface protein T4 and use of fragments of T4 in the treatment of AIDS

US5958678A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York · US

Inventors

• Paul J. Maddon · Scarsdale, US
• Dan R. Littman · New York, US
• Leonard Chess · Scarsdale, US
• Richard Axel · New York, US
• Robin Weiss · London, GB
• J. Steven McDougal · Atlanta, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 12, 1994
• Grant date: Sep 28, 1999
• Expiry date: Dec 12, 2014

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02A50/30
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A single-stranded nucleic acid molecule which encodes an amino acid sequence comprising at least a portion of a T4 glycoprotein is provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences which comprise at least a portion of a T4 glycoprotein and are useful as a prophylaxis for treating a subject with acquired immune deficiency syndrome are provided. These amino acid sequences, which are capable of specifically forming a complex with a human immunodeficiency virus envelope glycoprotein and which are soluble in an aqueous solution may be administered to a subject infected with a human immunodeficiency virus so as to block the human immunodeficiency virus from binding to T4.sup.+ cells. Monoclonal antibodies directed to the water-soluble amino acid sequences of the present invention may be used as vaccines for immunizing a subject against acquired immune deficiency syndrome.