RACK1 Inhibitors for Treatment of Viral Infections

Categories: “”Viruses, Chronic & Infectious Diseases” 

Reference #: 2015-035

OTC Contact: Ruchika Nijhara Ph.D., MBA (Directory Information | Send a Message)

Description

Viruses require host factors to translate their transcripts and so targeting the host factor (s) offers an opportunity to develop broad spectrum anti-viral drugs. The receptor for Activated C Kinase I (RACK1) is one such host protein that some viruses use to translate their mRNAs using a viral mRNA secondary structure known as the Internal Ribosomal Entry Site (IRES). The present invention pertains to compounds and methods of treating infections from viruses containing a genome coding IRES by administering such RACK1 inhibitors that block IRES mediated translation of such viruses.

Applications

• Treating infections from viruses containing a genome having IRES including but not limited to hepatitis C (HCV), polio, Dengue, Cornaviruses, HIV and Herpes Simplex virus (HSV).

Advantages

• The strategy of targeting the host factor, instead of the virus directly, potentially circumvents the damaging effect of resistance developed by viruses after the prolonged use of anti-viral drugs.

Stage of Development

Proof of concept demonstrated in vitro. The lead compound did not demonstrate any major toxicity linked to RACK1 inhibition.

Inventors

Hemayet Ullah
Sivanesan Dakshanamurthy

Patent Status

Patent pending