Compositions and Methods for Prevention of HIV Transmission Across Mucosal Surfaces

(Set) Most newly acquired cases of HIV-1 infection result from sexual, primarily heterosexual, transmission. While mechanical barriers, such as condoms, can be very effective in preventing sexual transmission, this male-dependent method of protection is frequently not accepted or is impractical for use by the women at greatest risk. Understanding the mechanisms of sexual transmission of HIV-1 is important for limiting the AIDS pandemic worldwide. Vaginal and cervical epithelium provide the initial barrier to sexually-acquired HIV-1 infection of women, understanding the interactions between infected cells or cell-free virus to the epithelium is critical. The inventors have discovered that the activity of anti-ICAM-1 antibodies to inhibit transepithelial transmission of cell-associated HIV-1 in both in vitro and in vivo (scid mouse) model systems. Antibodies are a versatile prophylactic intervention particularly suited for application to a variety of sites in the body, and in particular to mucosal surfaces. This technology provides the methods, composition and articles of manufacture for blocking transepithelial transmission of HIV to at the sit of exposure to the virus. Patent (Set) 777241; 6,566,095

Patents:
US 777,241
US 6,566,095

Inventor(s): Markham, Richard

Type of Offer: Licensing



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