TECHNOLOGY BRIEF

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Description: This invention discloses a human adenovirus receptor gene construct and the soluble gene product that can be used in diagnostic procedures, treatment and prevention of adenoviral infections and for engineering altered virus tropism.

Commercial, Technical and Competitive Merit: The identification of the human gene encoding the adenovirus receptor molecule has lead to the possibility that such an entity could be useful in the design of new diagnostic tests for adenovirus infection as well as a means for developing new therapeutic approaches for managing and preventing adenovirus infections. In addition, recent years have witnessed an increased interest in making use of adenovirus as the delivery vehicle for therapeutic genes. This invention discloses gene constructs, proteins and fusion proteins that are useful for all of the mentioned technologies. A very novel approach to engineering viral tropism is made possible through this technology. In addition, it may be possible to make use of a re-directed adenovirus for delivery of therapeutic molecules such as radioisotopes for the treatment and/or imaging of tumors.

Inventor: Paul I. Freimuth

Patent Status: U. S. Patent 6,395,875

License Status: Available on a negotiable basis.

Literature References: Mayr, G. A. and Freimuth, P. (1997) J. Virology 71, 412-418.