Cells Expressing Both Human CD4 And A Human Fusion Accessory Factor Associated With HIV Infection
Description of Invention:
HIV-1 infects target cells by first binding to CD4, a receptor on the target cell membrane. The virus and target cell membranes then fuse, allowing the virus to enter the target cell. It has previously been determined that CD4 alone is not sufficient to allow entry, but that another factor specific to human cells is also required. The current invention embodies the identification of a cDNA encoding a protein, designated "fusin," which demonstrates properties expected of a fusion co-factor for T-cell line tropic HIV-1 isolates. Fusin is a member of the 7-transmembrane segment (7-TMS) superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors. While this cDNA has previously been cloned, its potential role as an accessory protein necessary for HIV infection is novel to the current invention. The invention, therefore, should represent a valuable tool to be used in the production of transgenic mice and of cell lines for the study of HIV infection. In addition, the invention may itself represent a potential therapeutic agent against HIV or target for agents acting to block entry of HIV into target cells. This technology was reported in Science 272:809-810 (1996); Chemical and Engineering News, p. 7 (May 13, 1996); BioWorld Today, pp. 1-2 (May 13, 1996); Biotechnology News, 16(13):1-2 (1996); and BioWorld Today, pp. 1,3 (June 21, 1996).
Inventors:
EA Berger (NIAID) Y Feng (NIAID) CC Broder (NIAID) PE Kennedy (NIAID)
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-017-1996/1 --
U.S. Patent No. 6,197,578 issued 06 Mar 2001
Relevant Publication:
O Nussbaum et al., J. Virol., 68(9):5411-5422 (1994)
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
