Prognostic Marker for Disease Progression in HIV-Infected Women

Referenznummer TO 07-00048
 

The Challenge 
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infects and destroys CD4 cells, an important component of the human immune system. The rate of CD4 cell destruction, which ultimately leads to the development of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), can vary greatly between patients. Furthermore, some HIV-infected women have surprisingly smaller numbers of viruses and higher numbers of CD4 immune cells in their blood, compared to infected men. Although genetic factors contributing to the rate of AIDS progression have been suspected for some time, no genetic marker could be identified so far. 

Technology

The technology describes an X-chromosomal genetic marker from the  DXS986 region and its use for detection of the likelihood or speed of AIDS disease progression.
The delayed progression of HIV infection identified relates to a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) identified in heterozygous females. The SNP is located between the genes CYCL1 and/or RSK4. According to current data, the beneficial SNP variant is more frequent in Asian than in African and European populations: recent data show only 20% of HIV-infected women of European carrying the advantageous SNP variant, while it is expected to occur in the majority of Asian women.
This prognostic marker opens up new approaches of sex-specific and individualized treatment schemes of HIV infection, and might further promote new approaches for targeting the virus.

 

Commercial Opportunity
The technology is offered for in-licensing and/or co-development as a prognostic or diagnostic tool.  

Patent Situation
International Patent Application PCT/EP2009/008039 (unpublished)

Further Reading

Siddiqui RA et al., Am J Hum Genet. 2009, 85(2), 228-239 

 

 

 

 

 

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Kontakt:

Tina Damm
Technology Manager
Ascenion GmbH

T: +49 (0)531 6181-2091
F: +49 (0)531 6181-2098
damm@ascenion.de