Universitè Laval

Caroline Gilbert

Alexandra Lambert

Michel J Tremblay

Sheng-Xiang Lin

Arezki Azzi

The invention is concerned with compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, screening methods, and therapeutic methods for preventing or reducing a human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection and/or propagation associated with dendritic cell immunoreceptor (DCIR). Described herein are compounds which bind on at least one three-dimensional cavity of the DCIR, the cavity(ies) being involved in the interaction between HIV-1 and DCIR. Also described are screening methods for identifying active inhibitors and method of using such inhibitors for the prevention or treatment of virus infections, and more particularly for reducing human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) binding, entry and/or replication in human cells.

Three-dimensional cavities of dendritic cell immunoreceptor (DCIR), compounds binding thereto and therapeutic applications related to inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1)

The invention is concerned with methods, compounds and pharmaceutical compositions for interfering dendritic cell immunoreceptor (DCIR) activity and signalling events. Described herein are compounds useful in targeting one or more of intracellular modulators and the uses thereof for the prevention or treatment of virus infections, and more particularly for reducing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) binding, entry and/or replication in human cells. Exemplary compounds include peptides and antisense molecules.

Compounds and therapeutic applications related to inhibition of dendritic cell immunoreceptor (DCIR) activity and signaling events

A cell surface molecule designated DCIR (for dendritic cells ImmunoReceptor), a member of a recently described family of DC-expressing C-type lectin receptors, has been shown to participate to the capture of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and promote infection in trans and in cis of autologous CD4(+) T cells from human immature monocyte-derived DC. The contribution of DCIR to these processes was revealed using DCIR-specific siRNAs and a polyclonal antibody specific for the carbohydrate recognition domain of DCIR. Therapeutic agents for HIV infection are therefore provided herein. These therapeutic agents are useful for impairing the interaction between DCIR and HIV and as such may be useful for treatment or prevention of HIV infection. Also provided are assays for identifying additional therapeutics agents for treatment or prevention HIV infection.

Method for inhibiting dendritic cell immunoreceptor (DCIR)-mediated human immunodeficiency virus infection comprising administering anti-DCIR antibodies

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St-Augustin de Desmaures, Canada

Caroline Gilbert