Cornell University

Leandros Arvanitakis

Ethel Cesarman

Marvin C Gershengorn

Elizabeth Geras-Raaka

Daniel M Knowles

Enrique Mesri

The present invention is directed to a constitutively active G protein coupled receptor of human herpesvirus 8, as well as a method of identifying negative antagonists of a constitutively active G protein coupled receptor. The method comprises co-expressing in a host cell a constitutively active G protein coupled receptor and a reporter protein, wherein expression of the reporter protein is controlled by a promoter responsive to a signalling pathway activated by the constitutively active G protein coupled receptor; exposing the host cell to a test substance; and determining a level of reporter protein activity, wherein the level of reporter protein activity indicates effectiveness of the test substance as a negative antagonist of the constitutively active G protein coupled receptor. The invention further provides a method of preventing tumor formation or cell proliferation caused by a constitutively active G protein coupled receptor. This method comprises administering an amount of the negative antagonist so identified to a subject in an amount effective to prevent tumor formation or cell proliferation.

Methods of identifying negative antagonists for G protein coupled

The invention provides a cell line comprising Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). Preferably, the cell line is a body cavity-based lymphoma cell line, and more preferably, the cell line does not harbor Epstein-Barr virus. Two cell lines designated BC-2 and BC-3 are thus provided. These cell lines can be used in a method of propagating KSHV. The method comprises culturing the cell line, wherein the KSHV within the cell line thereby propagates. The BC-3 cell line, in particular, can be used in a method of propagating KSHV in the absence of Epstein-Barr virus. The method comprises culturing the cell line designated BC-3, wherein the KSHV within the cell line thereby propagates. Further provided is a purified viral suspension of KSHV, as well as a composition comprising purified KSHV and a suitable carrier.

Growing community of inventors

New York, NY, United States of America

Leandros Arvanitakis