The Technology:
Researchers at the University of Tennessee have discovered a novel method to suppress feline herpesvirus replication. In the United States at least 71% of cats are seropositive for feline herpesvirus. The symptoms may be severe and can persist throughout the cat’s life despite the availability of vaccines and treatment. Vaccines do not prevent primary infection or transmission by shedding because the virus is poorly immunogenic. This is further complicated by development of latent infection in cats, with subsequent reactivation, often triggered by stress. Current antiviral medications are inadequate because they require multiple daily applications, and most cat owners are unable to comply with this regimen.
This invention involves use of small interfering RNAs which effectively inhibit herpesvirus replication in feline cells and addresses some of the limitations with current therapies. The small interfering RNAs are specifically designed to target multiple viral genes, inhibiting both viral replication and attachment to feline cells. The result is less virus produced in the cells.
Benefits:
Inventors:
Dr. Rebecca Penrose Wilkes is currently a Research Associate III in the Department of Comparative Medicine at The University of Tennessee. She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and Ph.D. in Comparative and Experimental Medicine from The University of Tennessee. Dr. Wilkes is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists with certifications in Virology and Bacteriology. She is highly regarded in her field and was elected to the Board of Governors of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists.
Dr. Stephen A. Kania is an Associate Professor in the Department of Comparative Medicine at The University of Tennessee. He received his Ph. D. in Veterinary Infectious Diseases at the University of Florida and a Masters in Veterinary Science at Washington State University. His research interests include patient immune response to vaccines and therapeutic agents. His clinical experience with immunology allows for first hand modulation of immune responses to pathogenesis. His research group studies the molecular characterization of various virulence factors and host-pathogen interactions providing another clinical basis for animal disease therapeutics design.
Patents:
• US Patent number US7977321