Synthetic peptides that bind to the hepatitis B virus core and e antigens
OwnerMatti Sallberginventor
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Abstract
The present invention relates generally to the field of virology. More particularly, the invention relates to the discovery that peptides, which bind to the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) core and e antigens, can be used to inhibit HBV infection. Embodiments concern “binding partners”, which include peptides, peptidomimetics, and chemicals that resemble these molecules that interact with HBV core and e antigens, biological complexes having HBV core and e antigens joined to said binding partners, methods of identifying such binding partners, pharmaceuticals having binding partners, and methods of treatments and prevention of HBV infection.
Claims20
An isolated or purified peptide comprising the formula:
- X1nCZASX2n, wherein:
- “X1” is any amino acid
- “C” is cysteine;
- “Z” is lysine or arginine;
- “A” is alanine;
- “S” is serine;
- “X2” is any amino acid;
- and
- “n” is an integer and, wherein said peptide is less than 50 amino acids in length and specifically binds HBcAg and/or HBeAg.
A nucleic acid encoding a peptide having a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ. ID. No. 1-78.
A method of making a pharmaceutical comprising:
- identifying a binding partner that interacts with HBcAg or HBeAg having a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ. ID. Nos. 1-78;
- and
- incorporating a therapeutically effective amount of said binding partner into a pharmaceutical.
A method of treatment or prevention of HBV infection comprising:
- identifying a subject in need of a molecule that inhibits HBV infection;
- and
- providing said subject with a binding partner that interacts with HBcAg or HBeAg having a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ. ID. Nos. 1-78.
A method of identifying a binding partner having a sequence that interacts with HBcAg or HBeAg comprising:
- providing a support comprising HBcAg or HBeAg;
- contacting the support with a candidate binding partner having a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ. ID. Nos. 1-78;
- and
- detecting a biological complex comprising HBcAg or HBeAg and said candidate binding partner, wherein detection of such complex indicates that said candidate binding partner is a binding partner interacts with HBcAg or HBeAg.
A method of identifying a binding partner that inhibits HBV infection comprising:
- providing a cell that is infected with HBV;
- contacting said cell with a candidate binding partner selected from the group consisting of SEQ. ID. Nos. 1-78;
- and
- determining whether the presence of said candidate binding partner having a sequence is associated with a decrease in HBV infection.
A method of identifying a binding partner that modulates an immune system response comprising:
- providing a naïve antigen presenting cell;
- contacting said naïve antigen presenting cell with a candidate binding partner and a T cell that reacts to HBcAg or HBeAg;
- and
- detecting an inhibition or enhancement of T cell stimulation whereby said binding partner is identified.
A method of determining the presence of HBV in a biological sample comprising:
- providing a biological sample;
- providing a binding partner that binds to HBcAg and/or HBeAg, wherein said binding partner has a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ. ID. Nos. 1-78;
- and
- determining whether said binding partner binds to HBcAg and/or HBeAg.
A diagnostic kit for the detection of HBV infection comprising a binding partner, wherein said binding partner has a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ. ID. Nos. 1-78.
A method of inhibiting B cell mediated processing and uptake of HBcAg and/or HBeAg comprising:
- providing a binding partner selected from the group consisting of SEQ. ID. Nos. 1-78;
- and
- determining whether said binding partner inhibits B cell mediated processing and uptake of HBcAg and/or HBeAg.
An isolated or purified peptide consisting essentially of the peptide of SEQ. ID. No. 103 or 104.
A nucleic acid consisting essentially of a nucleic acid sequence encoding the peptide sequence of SEQ. ID. No. 103 or 104.
An isolated or purified biological complex comprising a peptide comprising the sequence of SEQ. ID. No. 74 and a member selected from the group consisting of a peptide consisting essentially of the sequence of SEQ. ID. Nos. 103 or 104, HBcAg, HBeAg, HBV capsid protein, and HBV.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.