Inhibitors of Formation of Protease Resistant Prion Protein
Description of Invention:
The current invention provides peptides and pharmaceutical compositions that are useful to inhibit formation of protease resistant prion proteins (PrPres) such as the PrPres associated with transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE). Certain synthetic peptides which incorporate the most amyloidogenic region of the PrP protein can inhibit the formation of PrPres under conditions where it would otherwise be formed. Such specific inhibition of the formation of PrPres may prevent or slow the deposition of amyloid deposits in the tissues of animals that have been exposed to a TSE or are suffering from a neurodegenerative disorder having the characteristics of a spongiform encephalopathy. For more information, see Chabry, J. et al. (1998) Specific Inhibition of in vitro Formation of Protease-Resistant Prion Protein by Specific Peptides, J. Biol. Chem. 273, 13203-13207.
Inventors:
B Chesebro B Caughey J Chabry S Priola (NIAID)
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
