Arenavirus receptor and methods of use
US6083911A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 10, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jul 4, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 10, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61K38/177
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Disclosed is a method for inhibiting the binding of an arenavirus to a cellular receptor. The method involves providing, in soluble form, a reagent comprising .alpha.-dystroglycan or a portion thereof, the reagent being characterized by the ability to bind to the arenavirus thereby inhibiting the binding of the arenavirus to the cellular receptor. The reagent is contacted with an arenavirus particle prior to infection of a cell by the arenavirus particle. Also disclosed are methods for treating an arenavirus infection in a patient and preventing an arenavirus infection in an individual at risk. These methods involve providing a therapeutic composition comprising .alpha.-dystroglycan or a portion thereof which is characterized by the ability to bind to arenaviruses, thereby inhibiting the binding of arenaviruses to a cellular receptor; and administering the composition to the patient or individual at risk. Arenaviruses to which the methods of the present invention apply include, without limitation, Lymphocyte Choriomeningitis Virus, Lassa fever virus, Mobala, and Oliveros. In another aspect, the disclosure relates to an embryonic stem cell line, and cells derived therefrom, which is…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.