Preventing and Treating Infections Caused by Herpesviridae

SLU ID 16-011 | Neuro-attenuated Herpes Simplex Virus

Background

Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) are two species of the herpesvirus family, herpesviridae, which cause infections in humans. Human herpesvirus infections cause a variety of illnesses including cold sores, chickenpox or varicella, shingles or herpes zoster (VZV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), mononucleosis (EBV) and various cancers, and can cause brain inflammation (encephalitis). All viruses in the herpes family produce life-long infections. HSV-1 and HSV-2 are also called Human Herpesvirus 1 and 2 (HHV-1 and HHV-2) and belong to the sub-family of neurotropic herpesviruses, which are conventionally referred to as the alpha-herpesviruses. An infected individual can experience multiple cycles of active and latent infection.

Overview

Researchers at Saint Louis University have developed mutant herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) that appear to protect against HSV infection and can serve as therapeutic vaccines to help combat pre-existing HSV infection in individuals.

Benefits

The potential benefits of this technology include:

• Increasing the number of treatment options for a variety of diseases caused by herpesviridae

• Minimizing number of active infections

• Minimizing the duration of active infections

• Minimizing the risk of infection

Applications

This technology has potential application for treating infections caused by herpesviridae including:

• cold sores

• chickenpox (varicella)

• shingles or herpes zoster (VZV)

• cytomegalovirus (CMV)

• mononucleosis (EBV)

• brain inflammation (encephalitis)

• various cancers

Opportunity

Saint Louis University is seeking a partner to further develop and commercialize this technology.

Patents

• U.S. patent 9,616,119