Stem Cell Related Patent Number US6083911

Arenavirus receptor and methods of use

Campbell, Kevin P.; Iowa City, IA, USA
Henry, Michael; Iowa City, IA, USA
Yamada, Hiroki; Iowa City, IA, USA
Williamson, Roger; Iowa City, IA, USA
Cao, Wei; San Diego, CA, USA
Oldstone, Michael; La Jolla, CA, USA

Described herein are methods of treating and preventing arenavirus infections via the administration of a soluble alpha-dystroglycan to compete for cell surface binding receptors. The invention relates to a method of inhibiting the binding of an arenavirus to a cellular receptor such that a reagent is provided in soluble form which comprises an ?a-dystroglycan or a portion thereof, and which is characterized by the ability to bind to the arenavirus thereby inhibiting the binding of the arenavirus to the cellular receptor. Another embodiment of the invention relates to an embryonic stem cell line which is homozygous for a disrupted dystroglycan gene in which the disruption prevents the synthesis of functional dystroglycan in the cells. Therapeutic applications of such dystroglycan null embryonic stem cells include the production and identification of dystroglycan necessary for arenavirus infection. Strains of the arenavirus to which such therapeutic applications apply include Lymphocyte Choriomeningitis Virus, Lassa fever virus, Mobala, and Oliveros.

Application Number: US1998000208707

Date Filed: 12/10/98

Dated Published: 07/04/00

Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation, Iowa City, IA, USA