Wei C Cao

US Patent:

60839112, Jul 4, 2000

Filed:

Dec 10, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/208707

Inventors:

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

Assignee:

University of Iowa Research Foundation - Iowa City IA

International Classification:

A61K 3534
A61K 3816

US Classification:

514 8

Abstract:

Disclosed is a method for inhibiting the binding of an arenavirus to a cellular receptor. The method involves providing, in soluble form, a reagent comprising. alpha. -dystroglycan or a portion thereof, the reagent being characterized by the ability to bind to the arenavirus thereby inhibiting the binding of the arenavirus to the cellular receptor. The reagent is contacted with an arenavirus particle prior to infection of a cell by the arenavirus particle. Also disclosed are methods for treating an arenavirus infection in a patient and preventing an arenavirus infection in an individual at risk. These methods involve providing a therapeutic composition comprising. alpha. -dystroglycan or a portion thereof which is characterized by the ability to bind to arenaviruses, thereby inhibiting the binding of arenaviruses to a cellular receptor; and administering the composition to the patient or individual at risk. Arenaviruses to which the methods of the present invention apply include, without limitation, Lymphocyte Choriomeningitis Virus, Lassa fever virus, Mobala, and Oliveros. In another aspect, the disclosure relates to an embryonic stem cell line, and cells derived therefrom, which is homozygous for a disrupted dystroglycan gene, wherein the disruption prevents the synthesis of functional dystroglycan in the cells.