Tropism of CPMV to Professional Antigen Presenting Cells Enables a Platform to Eliminate Chronic Infections
Year: 2015
Type: article
Abstract: Chronic viral infections (e.g., HIV, HBV, HCV) represent a significant source of morbidity and mortality with over 500 million people infected worldwide. Dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages are key cell types for productive viral replication and persistent systemic infection. We demonstrate that the plant virus cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) displays tropism for such antigen presenting cells in both mice and humans, thus making it an ideal candidate for targeted drug delivery toward viral infections. Furthermore, we show inhibition of a key host protein for viral infection, site-1 protease (S1P), using the small molecule PF-429242 in the model pathogen arenavirus lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) limits viral growth. By packaging PF-429242 in CPMV, we are able to control drug release and efficiently deliver the drug. This sets the groundwork for utilizing the natural tropism of CPMV for a therapeutic approach that specifically targets cell types most commonly subverted by chronic viruses.
Authors: Amy M. Wen, Nga Le, Xin Zhou, Nicole F. Steinmetz, Daniel L. Popkin
Language: English
Subfield: Biotechnology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funders: Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, American Heart Association, Cleveland Foundation, Mt. Sinai Health Care Foundation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation
OpenAlex ID: W2340217869