Molecular target for fungal-driven eosinophilic inflammation
This patent covers a specific protein produced by fungi that triggers inflammation and causes eosinophils (a type of immune cell) to release their contents in a way that damages tissue. The researchers isolated the gene encoding this protein and characterized the protein itself. With this in hand, it becomes possible to screen drug candidates for their ability to block this inflammatory process, which is relevant to conditions like chronic sinusitis and asthma driven by fungal exposure.
What you could build
A research reagent or screening tool sold to pharmaceutical and biotech companies developing treatments for fungal-induced inflammatory diseases such as chronic rhinosinusitis or allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis; the end buyers are drug discovery teams at mid-to-large pharma and specialty biotech firms.
Who in Virginia should care
Biotech and pharmaceutical companies in the Northern Virginia/DC corridor, or academic medical centers like UVA and VCU with allergy and immunology programs, would be plausible partners or licensees.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Hirohito Kita, Jens Ponikau, Christopher B. Lawrence
- Granted
- October 19, 2010
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 7815919
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.