This technology uses small molecules to bind HIV Env on infected cells, expose hidden sites, and trigger ADCC, enabling the immune system to kill cells that current therapies cannot reach. By improving antibody recognition and reducing infectious virus production, it provides a complementary approach that directly targets infected cells rather than only preventing new infections. Problem: Most HIV therapies stop new infections but do not remove cells that are already infected. Persistent infected cells allow ongoing viral production and disease progression. Clinicians and researchers therefore need treatments that directly identify and eliminate infected cells rather than only blocking new viral entry. One promising path is antibody-dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), where infected cells are marked for immune destruction through cell-surface recognition. Solution: Small molecules act as targeting agents that attach to HIV-infected cells and mark them for ADCC. By flagging these cells for the immune system, the approach promotes selective killing of infected cells and helps slow disease progression. Technology: The small molecules bind to HIV Env, the viral envelope protein complex (gp120 and gp41) displayed on the surface of HIV and on HIV-infected cells. Env is responsible for viral entry and normally conceals key regions such as the co-receptor binding site. These molecules induce Env to adopt an open conformation that exposes these hidden sites. Once exposed, endogenous HIV antibodies can bind more effectively, leading to stronger ADCC and lysis of infected cells. The molecules also shift viral production toward noninfectious particles, lowering the amount of infectious virus. Advantages:
Stage of Development:
(A) Identified small molecules have been shown to increase rates of; (B) Effect of ADCC on cells; as well as (C) Increase recognition of HIV-1 infected cells by HIV+ sera. Intellectual Property:
Reference Media:
Desired Partnerships:
Docket #18-8455