Stem Cell Related Patent Number US6281200

Functional characterization of the C-C chemokine-like molecules encoded by molluscum contagiosum virus types 1 and 2

Fife, Kenneth H.; Zionsville, IN, USA
Krathwohl, Michell D.; Indianapolis, IN, USA
Hromas, Robert; Indianapolis, IN, USA
Brown, Darron R.; Zionsville, IN, USA
Broxmeyer, Hal E.; Indianapolis, IN, USA

This invention describes novel isolated chemokine-like polypeptides obtained from the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV). Described herein are cloned and expressed chemokine-like genes from the MCV type 1 and also from the closely related MCV type 2, and methods of determining a potential role for these proteins in the viral life cycle. Claims of the invention include the first viral chemokines that have been shown to antagonize the chemotactic activity of human chemokines, and the first viral chemokines that have been shown to have inhibitory activity on human hematopoietic progenitor cells. Further provided are specific amino acid sequences, as are therapeutic applications in the development of products for the treatment of inflammation, allergy, asthma or autoimmune disorders.

Application Number: US1998000133521

Date Filed: 08/13/98

Dated Published: 08/28/01

Assignee: Advanced Research & Technology Institute, Bloomington, IN, USA