Drug Discovery & Development
Rhinovirus-C Peptide for Development of Vaccines and Antivirals
WARF: P160341US02
Inventors: Ann Palmenberg, Marchel Hill, Kelly Watters, Michael Rossman, Yue Liu
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing an immunogenic peptide from rhinovirus-C, as well as related vaccines and therapeutic compounds.
Overview
Human rhinoviruses (species A, B and C) are responsible for the majority of upper respiratory tract infections (like the common cold) and many infections of the lower respiratory tract as well.
Rhinovirus C species (RV-C) was discovered in 2006 and is of special interest because it can cause more severe illnesses in children and is closely associated with asthma exacerbations. However, no vaccines or effective antiviral treatments for RV-C currently are available.
Rhinovirus C species (RV-C) was discovered in 2006 and is of special interest because it can cause more severe illnesses in children and is closely associated with asthma exacerbations. However, no vaccines or effective antiviral treatments for RV-C currently are available.
The Invention
UW–Madison researchers have identified novel immunogenic peptides from RV-C that are useful targets for therapeutic antibodies.
Recent advances in microscopy enabled the researchers to determine (with atomic resolution) the structure of an RV-C strain, both in its full, infectious form and as native empty particles. The structures highlighted immunogenic surfaces that could be used to design antivirals or vaccines against RV-C.
Recent advances in microscopy enabled the researchers to determine (with atomic resolution) the structure of an RV-C strain, both in its full, infectious form and as native empty particles. The structures highlighted immunogenic surfaces that could be used to design antivirals or vaccines against RV-C.
Applications
- Prevention and treatment of RV-C infection, including infection associated with childhood asthma and adult respiratory problems
Key Benefits
- Provides – for the first time – an effective target for vaccines or antivirals against RV-C
Additional Information
For More Information About the Inventors
Related Technologies
Publications
For current licensing status, please contact Jennifer Gottwald at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9854
- Liu Y., Hill M.G., Klose T., Chen Z., Watters K., Bochkov Y.A., Jiang W., Palmenberg A.C. and Rossmann M.G. 2016. Atomic Structure of a Rhinovirus C, a Virus Species Linked to Severe Childhood Asthma. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 113, 8997-9002.