Description of Invention:
This technology describes methods for inhibiting human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) infection in cells and for reducing viral load or titer in infected individuals. As many as 20 million people worldwide are infected with HTLV-I, and approximately 1 million will develop adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, myelopathy, or tropic spastic paraparesis (a condition similar to multiple sclerosis) as a result of infection. Previous treatments have proven ineffective. The current invention relates to the surprising results that adenosine receptor antagonists specific for type A2A and A2B adenosine receptors prevent binding of HTLV-I to cells. Such antiviral use of adenosine receptor antagonists has not been suggested elsewhere. This technology also has veterinary application, as such treatment methods could be used against feline leukemia virus infections.
Inventors:
Bishop Hague (NIAID) Tong Mao Zhao (NIAID) Thomas Kindt (NIAID)
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-240-2002/0 filed 30 Oct 2002
For Additional Information Please Contact: Susan Ano Ph.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301) 435-5515
Email: anos@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
