Methods for Disrupting HIV Latency Using Anti-HIV Latency Agents

Tech ID: 25749 / UC Case 2015-096-0

Abstract

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed methods for reactivating latent viral infection in peripheral blood samples of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals receiving anti-retroviral therapy and for optimizing the process by including additional reactivation agents.

Full Description

Observation of HIV rebound following anti-retroviral therapy (ART) interruption has indicated that the start of early ART is not sufficient to eradicate latent virus reservoirs. Findings in a recent publication showed that HIV viral reservoirs are rapidly seeded, and HIV latency could be immediately established after virus infection.

While ART is able to reduce the spread of HIV and halt disease progression by inhibiting viral replication, the viral reservoirs in cells with latent HIV infection have yet to be adequately targeted through structured disruption. A therapeutic cure for HIV that leads to the elimination of the virus from infected individuals is needed, as well as strategies to directly target HIV latent reservoirs.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed methods for reactivating latent viral infection in peripheral blood samples of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy and for optimizing the process by including additional reactivation agents. These methods would allow for the elimination of viral reservoirs in cells harboring latent HIV.  This is achieved by administering the activator(s) to induce viral replication in a controlled manner, avoiding excessive inflammation, yet allowing the detection of infected cells and their eradication by the immune system and virus specific antibodies and T cells.

Applications

  • Treatment of latent viral infections
  • HIV treatment

Features/Benefits

  • Ability to reactivate latent viral infections
  • Increased efficacy of ART in HIV treatment

Patent Status

Country Type Number Dated Case
United States Of America Issued Patent 10,376,486 08/13/2019 2015-096
Patent Cooperation Treaty Published Application WO 2016/022358 02/11/2016 2015-096
 

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Inventors

  • Dandekar, Satya
  • Jiang, Guochun

Other Information

Keywords

human immunodeviciency virus (HIV), viral infection, anti-retroviral therapy (ART), latency agent, provirus

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