. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a hepatotropic virus that is a major public health concern worldwide. While a recombinant surface antigen vaccine is available, there is no effective treatment for the millions of individuals who are chronically infected. The objective of this proposal is to develop peptide therapeutics that will generate cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in vivo and may ameliorate chronic HBV infections. These molecules may also be useful as prophylactic vaccines. This study aims to 1. define the 9-10 amino acids that constitute the core CTL epitopes; 2. modify these peptides to enhance their stability, facilitate uptake into antigen presenting cells and to enhance immunogenicity by adding helper epitopes; 3. to determine if these peptides can generate CTL's in vivo (in HLA-A2 transgenic mice).

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase I (R43)
Project #
1R43AI032847-01
Application #
3489644
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (SSS (B1))
Project Start
1992-04-01
Project End
1992-09-30
Budget Start
1992-04-01
Budget End
1992-09-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1992
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Cytel Corporation
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
San Diego
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92121