GBV-C E2 Antibody As A Therapeutic Approach to HIV Infection, and E2 Antigen As A Vaccine Immunogen
- Detailed Technology Description
- Researchers at The University of Iowa have produced anantibody against HIV, by identifying a specific protein on the surface of the GBV-Cthat can be used to interfere with the infectivity of HIV. Specifically, they have developed a methodfor inhibiting HIV-1 replication comprising providing to a subject ananti-GBV-C E2 antibody, wherein the antibody attenuates HIV-1 infectivity. Antibodies have been created that arespecific for this protein (E2). These antibodies have the ability to bind tothe surface of HIV and limit its ability to infect human host cells. Studieshave shown that this inhibitory effect works when the inhibitory factors areinjected into the host or are produced by the hosts own immune system. Severalpeptide sequences have been identified that are able to produce the desiredinhibitory effect against HIV.
- *Abstract
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Background:
GB virus type C (GBV-C) is a common, persistent human virus that has not been associated with any disease. It is transmitted through sexual exposure, blood products, and from mother to child. The majority of people infected with this virus are able to clear infection which is usually associated with the development of an antibody against a protein, known as E2. Researchers at The University of Iowa have demonstrated that GBV-C infection in HIV-positive patients is associated with prolonged survival.
Description:
Researchers at The University of Iowa have produced an antibody against HIV, by identifying a specific protein on the surface of the GBV-C that can be used to interfere with the infectivity of HIV. Specifically, they have developed a method for inhibiting HIV-1 replication comprising providing to a subject an anti-GBV-C E2 antibody, wherein the antibody attenuates HIV-1 infectivity. Antibodies have been created that are specific for this protein (E2). These antibodies have the ability to bind to the surface of HIV and limit its ability to infect human host cells. Studies have shown that this inhibitory effect works when the inhibitory factors are injected into the host or are produced by the hosts own immune system. Several peptide sequences have been identified that are able to produce the desired inhibitory effect against HIV.
Advantages:
The available epidemiological data indicates that the E2 antibody is associated with prolonged survival in Germany, France, and the United States. The data suggests that the interference with the infectivity of HIV has promise against HIV strains which are widely distributed worldwide. The research data suggests that the E2 antibodies may serve as immunotherapy for HIV disease progression, while the E2 antigen serves to evoke an anti-HIV immune response.
- *Licensing
- Catherine S. KohSenior LicensingAssociateUniversity of IowaResearch FoundationPh: (319) 335-4659 catherine-koh@uiowa.edu
- Country/Region
- USA
