Protozoan Derived Antagonist of CCR5

The invention describes the anti-HIV properties of cyclophilin-18, a protein expressed by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The protein was found to bind to the chemokine receptor CCR5 which is also a co-receptor for the HIV virus. Both the native and recombinant molecules display inhibitory activity in HIV-1 fusion (syncitia formation) and infectivity assays with human T cells and macrophages. Thus, Toxoplasma gondii cyclophilin-18 or modified versions of the molecule may be used in the development of treatment for AIDS. In particular, the protein described in this invention may have particular value when used as a microbicide for blocking initial HIV infection.

Inventors:

Julio Aliberti (NIAID)  ➽ more inventions...

Hana Golding (FDA)  ➽ more inventions...

Jose Ribeiro (NIAID)  ➽ more inventions...

John Andersen (NIAID)  ➽ more inventions...


Intellectual Property:
US Application No. 11/177,934

Publications:
More details of this invention can be found in Golding et al., "Inhibition of HIV-1 Infection by a CCR5 Binding Cyclophilin from Toxoplasma gondii", Blood 1 Nov 2003 102(9): 3280-3286.

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OTT Reference No: E-272-2004-0
Updated: Oct 1, 2004