Fluorescence Polarization Probe for identifying inhibitors of Enterovirus D68 2C

Design of the 2C fluorescence polarization probe Jun14157 and assay. See link to paper below. 


Invention Summary:

The genus Enterovirus of Picornaviridae contains many significant pathogens related to human and mammalian diseases. Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) infection is linked to the neurological disorder acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), where both infections and incidence of AFM have been consistently increasing for the past decade. Various inhibitors targeting EV-D68’s protein 2C have been reported with antiviral activity, which were generated using a truncated, synthetic 2C protein. However, a more direct, high-sensitivity binding assay would facilitate discovery of 2C inhibitors across various pathogenic enteroviruses. 

Researchers at Rutgers have designed and validated a novel 2C fluorescence probe, Jun14157, to develop a fluorescence polarization (FP) assay that evaluates new candidate inhibitors. The FP assay fills a critical gap in rational design of next-generation 2C inhibitors (see 2025-286), and is sufficiently versatile that it can be adapted to other targets.  .

Market Applications:

  • Antiviral Discovery for Enteroviruses 

  • Pandemic Preparedness and Response 

Advantages:

  • Versatile tool to generate hits and drug candidates in other therapeutically known drug targets 

  • Validated per leads of invention 2025-286 

Intellectual Property & Development Status: Provisional application filed. Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration. For any business development and other collaborative partnerships, contact:  marketingbd@research.rutgers.edu

Patent Information: