ANTIGEN BINDING PROTEINS

Smart overview of the Invention

The patent application describes antigen binding proteins specifically designed to target the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) envelope protein. These proteins are engineered to bind to two distinct epitopes on the HIV envelope glycoprotein 120 (gp120): the V3 loop region and the CD4 binding site. Their primary application lies in the treatment and prevention of HIV infection, offering a novel approach that could potentially overcome existing challenges associated with current HIV therapies.

Background

HIV remains a significant global health issue, with millions affected worldwide. Current treatments, mainly antiretroviral therapy (ART), have limitations, including daily medication requirements and potential side effects. Moreover, resistance to ART is on the rise. Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) have emerged as a promising alternative, though their effectiveness has been limited due to resistant virus strains. The development of new treatment options that can provide long-lasting efficacy against diverse HIV strains is crucial.

Technical Details

The invention introduces various configurations of anti-HIV gp120-binding proteins. These include bispecific molecules that incorporate anti-V3 bNAbs and CD4 domains, providing simultaneous binding to different parts of the gp120 protein. The application details several configurations involving different sequences and linkers to optimize binding affinity and stability. These proteins could potentially offer enhanced viral suppression by targeting multiple sites on the virus simultaneously.

Pharmaceutical Applications

The described antigen binding proteins have potential applications in pharmaceutical compositions for both preventing and treating HIV infection. They offer an innovative approach by potentially reducing susceptibility to drug resistance and providing longer-acting therapeutic effects compared to conventional ART. The invention also outlines methods for manufacturing these proteins and suggests their inclusion in kits for medical use.

Figures and Data

The application includes various figures illustrating the design and efficacy of the bispecific molecules. These figures demonstrate how different linker lengths and sequence modifications influence antiviral activity and pharmacokinetics in experimental models. The data presented support the potential of these antigen binding proteins as effective tools in combating HIV, showcasing their ability to neutralize diverse strains of the virus.