Description of Invention:
The invention describes the anti-HIV properties of cyclophilin-18, a protein expressed by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The protein was found to bind to the chemokine receptor CCR5 which is also a co-receptor for the HIV virus. Both the native and recombinant molecules display inhibitory activity in HIV-1 fusion (syncitia formation) and infectivity assays with human T cells and macrophages. Thus, Toxoplasma gondii cyclophilin-18 or modified versions of the molecule may be used in the development of treatment for AIDS. In particular, the protein described in this invention may have particular value when used as a microbicide for blocking initial HIV infection.
Inventors:
Alan Sher (NIAID) Julio Aliberti (NIAID) Jose Ribeiro (NIAID) and John Andersen (NIAID) Hana Golding (FDA)
Relevant Publication:
More details of this invention can be found in Golding et al., "Inhibition of HIV-1 Infection by a CCR5 Binding Cyclophilin from Toxoplasma gondii", Blood 1 Nov 2003 102(9): 3280-3286.
For Additional Information Please Contact: Sally Hu PhD MBA
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301) 435-5606
Email: hus@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
