Identification of a Fusion/Entry Receptor for Human Herpesvirus-8
Description of Invention:
This invention relates to stable, nonhuman cell lines and transgenic mammals having cells that coexpress human xCT as valuable tools for the continuing research of Kaposi’s Sarcoma Herpes Virus (KSHV) infection and the development of more effective anti-KSHV therapeutics. Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is the most common malignancy in AIDS patients and manifests as highly proliferative vascular lesions that appear on body extremities. KSHV is invariably present in all known clinical forms of KS and sero-conversion to KSHV antigens is considered a risk factor for development of the lesions. KSHV is believed to enter target cells by direct fusion of virion membrane with the target cell plasma membrane. The susceptibility of KSHV infection depends on the cell surface expression of the human xCT molecule. xCT plays a role in the membrane fusion step of KSHV infection. The identification of xCT as a receptor for KSHV may pave the way for deciphering the mechanism of KSHV pathogenesis.
Potential Area of Application:
This discovery has led to various potential commercial applications for this invention including the following:
Cell lines expressing recombinant xCT for analysis of KSHV entry/infection
Construction of xCT transgenic small animals for testing of KSHV inhibitors
Use of peptides or fragments derived from extracellular regions of xCT as
KSHV inhibitors
Use of specific antibodies (including human versions) against xCT as KSHV
inhibitors
Use of small molecules targeted to xCT as KSHV inhibitors
Inventors:
Edward A. Berger and Johnan Kaleeba (NIAID)
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-051-2005/0 --
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/681,098 filed 13 May 2005 Licensing Status:
In addition to licensing, the technology is available for further development through collaborative research opportunities with the inventors.
For Additional Information Please Contact: Robert M. Joynes J.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301)594-6565
Email: joynesr@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
