Johns Hopkins University

The United States of America, As Represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services

Nathan D Wolfe

Walid M Heneine

Thomas M Folks

William M Switzer

Donald S Burke

Eitel Mpoudi Ngole

David M Sintasath

Mpoudi Eitel

Disclosed are compositions and methods related to the isolation and identification of the primate T-lymphotropic viruses, HTLV-3 and HTLV-4. The diversity of HTLVs was investigated among central Africans reporting contact with NHP blood and body fluids through hunting, butchering, and keeping primate pets. Herein it is shown that this population is infected with a variety of HTLVs, including two retroviruses; HTLV-4 is the first member of a novel phylogenetic lineage that is distinct from all known HTLVs and STLVs; HTLV-3 falls within the genetic diversity of STLV-3, a group that has not previously been seen in humans. The present disclosure also relates to vectors and vaccines for use in humans against infection and disease. The disclosure further relates to a variety of bioassays and kits for the detection and diagnosis of infection with and diseases caused by HTLV-3 and HTLV-4 and related viruses.

Primate T-lymphotropic viruses

Disclosed are the simian T-cell lymphotropic virus type 3 subtype D (STLV-3 subtype D), isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding STLV-3 subtype D polypeptides, such as STLV-3 subtype D envelope, protease, polymerase, tax, rex, and capsid polypeptides, isolated polypeptides encoded by such nucleic acids. Methods are also disclosed for detecting STLV-3 subtype D, for example by detecting a STLV-3 subtype D nucleic acid or polypeptide in the sample. Accordingly, probes, primers, and antibodies for use in detecting STLV-3 subtype D nucleic acids or polypeptides are disclosed. Therapeutic compositions which included isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a STLV-3 subtype D polypeptides or isolated polypeptides encoded by such nucleic acid molecules are also disclosed.

Simian T-cell lymphotropic virus

Growing community of inventors

Los Angeles, CA, United States of America

Nathan D Wolfe