CC chemokine receptor 5 DNA, new animal models and therapeutic agents for HIV infection

US7374872B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America, as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services · US

Inventors

• Christophe Combadiere · Paris, FR
• Philip M. Murphy · Rockville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 7, 2006
• Grant date: May 20, 2008
• Expiry date: Nov 17, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61K38/00
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The susceptibility of human macrophages to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection depends on cell surface expression of the human CD4 molecule and CC cytokine receptor 5. CCR5 is a member of the 7-transmembrane segment superfamily of G-protein-coupled cell surface molecules. CCR5 plays an essential role in the membrane fusion step of infection by some HIV isolates. The establishment of stable, nonhuman cell lines and transgenic mammals having cells that coexpress human CD4 and CCR5 provides valuable tools for the continuing research of HIV infection. In addition, antibodies which bind to CCR5, CCR5 variants, and CCR5-binding agents, capable of blocking membrane fusion between HIV and target cells represent potential anti-HIV therapeutics for macrophage-tropic strains of HIV.