An RT-PCR array that allows for the simultaneous transcriptional profiling of the human herpesvirus HHV6A genome

This invention describes an RT-PCR array that allows for the simultaneous transcriptional profiling of the human herpesvirus HHV6A genome. It may be used to determine the contribution of HHV6A to the development of lymphomas, other types of cancer or diseases where an infectious agent is suspected. Primer pairs are designed to amplify under identical reaction conditions and are rigorously tested to ensure specificity for the HHV6A ORFs to the exclusion of all other human herpesviruses including HHV6B and HHV7.

 

Recent findings of the association of active viral genes with cancer cells have led to new proposed targets for cancer vaccines and therapeutics. The ability to distinguish HHV6A from other related herpesviruses, and to independently assay viral gene activity, may lead to the identification of new viral targets for the treatment of cancers and other diseases where HHV6A transcription is active.

 

Development Status: 
Late stage

U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/114,753 filed 14 Nov 2008 (HHS Reference No. E-019-2009/0-US-01)

 

Inventors: 
Rachel K. Bagni (NCI/SAIC), Francis W. Ruscetti (NCI), et al.

 

Licensees Sought:
Available for licensing.

 

Collaborative Research Opportunity:
The National Cancer Institute, Advanced Technology Program, is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize virus specific quantitative real-time RT-PCR arrays. Please contact John D. Hewes, Ph.D. at 301-435-3121 or hewesj@mail.nih.gov for more information.