Inactivation of Enveloped Viruses and Tumor Cells for Infectious Disease and Cancer Vaccines

Background:
The Membrane Structure & Function Laboratory of the National Cancer Institute is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to obtain pre-clinical data to be used to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize vaccines developed using inactivation of enveloped viruses and tumor cells.

Technology:
This invention describes vaccine development by inactivating viruses, parasites, and tumor cells using the hydrophobic photoactivatable compound 1,5-iodoanpthylazide (INA). This non-toxic compound will diffuse into the lipid bilayer of biological membranes and will bind to proteins and lipids in this domain upon irradiation with light. This binding effect inactivates fusion of enveloped viruses with their corresponding target cells. Furthermore, the selective binding of INA to protein domains in the lipid bilayer preserves the structural integrity and therefore immunogenicity of proteins on the exterior of the inactivated virus.

The methods described in this invention have been demonstrated using influenza, HIV, SIV and Ebola viruses as representative examples and are universally applicable to parasites, tumor cells, and any other microorganisms that are surrounded by biological membranes. The inactivation approach for vaccine development provides for a safe, non-infectious formulation for vaccination against the corresponding agent. Vaccination studies demonstrated that mice immunized with INA inactivated influenza virus mounted a heterologous protective immune response against lethal doses of influenza virus.

Further R&D Needed:
Animals immunization data are required that will compare between vaccines made of INA inactivated pathogens and vaccines made of pathogens inactivated with formalin and /or UV irradiation.

R&D Status:
Animal data (mouse) available for influenza, Ebola, and Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEV).

IP Status:
U.S. Patent No. 6,001,555, issued 14 Dec 1999

Value Proposition:

• Safe, non-infectious vaccines against HIV and other enveloped viruses
• Potential vaccines against cancer, tumor cells, parasites, and other microorganisms

Contact Information:
John D. Hewes, Ph.D., NCI Technology Transfer Center
Phone: 301-435-3121
E-mail: Hewesj@mail.nih.gov

Reference:  #593 JH

Posted 12/17/2007