ARP-154 (HeLa T4+) human cancer cell line generated by gene transfer for AIDS research
This technology, termed ARP-154 (HeLa T4+), is a human cervical cancer cell line expressing surface protein CD4, generated by gene transfer, that can be used in AIDS research and the development of AIDS therapeutics.
Unmet Need: Research tool for studying AIDS pathologies and developing therapeutics
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), characterized by a loss of CD4+ T cells, causes an estimate of 630,000 deaths globally every year. More studies are needed to dissect the mechanisms by which CD4 antigen contributes to AIDS virus infection. Common AIDS research models require complex genetic perturbation to force CD4 expression in cell culture and animals. As such, there was no easy-to-handle human CD4+ cell line to empower AIDS research and the development of potential therapeutics.
The Technology: Easy-to-handle CD4+ human cancer cell line for AIDS research
This cell line is generated by introducing a retroviral vector containing CD4 gene into human cervical cancer cells to induce CD4 expression. It enabled the crucial discovery that AIDS virus specifically binds to CD4 protein on the cell surface, followed by internalization of the CD4-virus and the release of viruses. This technology has the potential to unlock more discoveries in the field of AIDS and immune disease research and aid in the development of AIDS therapeutics.
Applications:
- Diagnostic tool for AIDS
- HIV infectivity titration
- Drug screening for AIDS and cancer therapeutics
- AIDS biomarker identification
- Research tool for studying CD4’s role in immunodeficiency and autoimmune diseases
Advantages:
- Easy-to-handle
- Versatile
- Cost-effective
- Was generated from a common, well-characterized human cancer cell line
- Suitable for use in animal studies
Lead Inventor:
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU24290
Licensing Contact: Joan Martinez