Therapeutic area |
Infectious diseases |
Goal |
The CIGB is currently running a research project aimed at developing antiviral drugs against Dengue virus. Our approach is focused in the blocking of the virus entry into the target cells and/or affecting the correct polyprotein processing. |
Description |
We have isolated and identified a novel endocytic receptor for Dengue virus. We have also shown that receptor binding molecules inhibit viral infection in vitro and in vivo using a model of encephalitis in mice caused by intra-cranial inoculation of the virus. The antiviral effect of these molecules is achieved by a post-adhesion mechanism. We have also shown that peptides targeting the NS2B*/NS3pro protease inhibit the viral infection in vitro .
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Patent Status |
Patent Applications have been filed. They protect the use of the endocytic receptor as a target for developing antiviral drugs against dengue virus and the identity of several inhibitory molecules. |
Project Status |
Candidate optimization and preclinical trials.
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Type of collaboration requested |
The aim of the collaboration is a corporate partnership to conduct further characterization studies on the evaluation of the antiviral activity of our candidate molecules. These studies could imply both animal tests and clinical trials to be conducted in the territory and in Cuba, and the joint evaluation of produced data. We are interested in the possibility to pursue the most potent compounds for further development towards clinical use. We would also be interested in the evaluation of the antiviral activity of these compounds against other flaviviruses.
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Competitives advantages Milestones |
We have reached an advanced state of validation concerning a novel endocytic receptor for Dengue virus as a potential target for the development of antiviral treatments. Targeting this receptor it would be possible to inhibit infection productive viral entry independently of virus binding to other cell surface (adhesion) receptors like GAGs, DC-SIGN or FC-receptors. Furthermore, designed peptides targeting NS2B*/NS3pro are highly specific for the viral protease.
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Host Insitutions |
Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB). Ave 31, e/158 y 190 Cubanacán, Playa. PO Box 6996, La Habana, 10600, Cuba. Tel. (53-7) 2712397; 2716022. Fax. (53-7) 2736008; 2718070. Email: ernesto.lopez@cigb.edu.cu
Web site: http://gndp.cigb.edu.cu
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Project code:
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BIO/CIGB/2008-04
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