Discovery of Novel HTLV-3 and HTLV-4 Retroviruses

Scientists at JHU have recently discovered the existence of two new types of Human T Lymphotropic Viruses (HTL-V), HTLV-3 and HTLV-4, which may be transmitted within humans. The HTLV-4 and HTLV-3 are serologically indistinguishable from existing HTLV-1 and HTL V-2 using current assays and this may explain why they had not been previously identified. Description (Set) Proposed Use (Set) The discovery of new types of HTL-V has important implications for future developments in HTL V diagnosis, blood screening, and potential disease development in infected persons. The discovery also demonstrates a greater HTL V diversity than previously recognized. The data suggests that Non Human Primate (NHP) exposure contributes to HTLV emergence based on exposure data collected for those individuals that have been infected with the viruses.

Inventor(s): Wolfe, Nathan D.

Type of Offer: Licensing



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