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PCR Array For Detection Of Human Herpes Virus

Background:
The National Cancer Institute's Advanced Technology Program is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize virus-specific quantitative real-time RT-PCR arrays.

Technology:
This invention describes PCR-based technology that allows for the simultaneous transcriptional profiling of the human herpes virus HHV6A genome. The technology may be used to determine the role of HHV6A in the development of lymphomas, other types of cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, or diseases where an infectious agent is suspected. The primer pairs are tested to ensure specificity to HHV6A and allow complete discrimination of this virus from the closely related herpes viruses HHV6B and HHV7.

Recent findings of the association of active viral genes with cancer cells have led to new proposed targets for cancer vaccines and therapeutics. The ability to distinguish HHV6A from other related herpes viruses, and to independently assay viral gene activity, may lead to the identification of new viral targets for the treatment of cancers and other diseases where HHV6A transcription is active.

Potential Commercial Applications/Possible Markets Identified:

• Clinical diagnoses and disease association
• Identification of new viral targets for the treatment of cancers and other diseases
• Cancer vaccine development
• Monitoring the effect of therapeutics on HHV6A gene expression

• Ability to analyze whole HHV6A genome expression and its association with disease states
• Ability to discriminate HHV6A from closely-related viruses

• Development of a validated, finished product for commercial use

• U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/114,753 filed 14 Nov. 2008

This opportunity is also listed under the following categories:

• Diagnostics