Paramyxovirus fusion complex structure for antiviral and vaccine design

This technology identifies a common structure in paramyxoviruses that facilitates viral entry into the host cell that can be utilized for antiviral and vaccine design.

Unmet Need: Paramyxovirus antiviral targeting sites

Paramyxoviruses, such as measles and parainfluenza virus, pose a critical threat toward human health. Paramyxoviruses are genetically diverse but share a common cell entry mechanism consisting of a receptor binding protein hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) and a fusion protein (F). Structural information for this fusion protein complex (HN-F) is limited, making antiviral and vaccine design difficult.

The Technology: Paramyxovirus fusion complex structure

This technology describes the highly-conserved structure of the human parainfluenza virus 3 cell entry complex consisting of the receptor binding protein and fusion protein. The structure reveals critical interactions that could be targeted by antivirals and specific residues that can be mutated to stabilize the fusion complex for use as a vaccine antigen.

Applications:

• Target for antiviral and vaccine intervention for paramyxoviruses
• Research tool for investigations in viral biology
• Resource for identifying clinical mutations of concern
• Mechanism for stabilizing pre-fusion complex conformation

Advantages:

• Highly-conserved cell entry structure
• Target for antiviral intervention
• Mechanism for stabilizing pre-fusion complex
• Antigen candidate for viral vaccine design

Lead Inventor:

Anne Moscona, MD

Patent Information:

Patent Pending

Related Publications:

• Marcink TC, Zipursky G, Cheng W, Stearns K, Stenglein S, Golub K, Cohen F, Bovier F, Pfalmer D, Greninger AL, Porotto M, des Georges A, Moscona A. “Subnanometer structure of an enveloped virus fusion complex on viral surface reveals new entry mechanisms” Sci Adv. 2023 Feb 10;9(6)

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU23202

• Licensing Contact: Kristin Neuman