Inhibition of viral infection and spread with viral and RhoA-derived peptides

Abstract

Isolated peptides, peptidomimetics, and antibodies which bind to the viral fusion protein binding domain of the RhoA protein or the RhoA binding domain of a viral fusion protein are useful for inhibiting infection in susceptible cells, in vitro and in vivo. Among these viruses are the Paramyxovirus respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the Lentivirus human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

1 - 17 . (canceled)  
     
     
         18 . A method for inhibiting viral infection which comprises administering to a human subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of an inhibitory molecule representing the viral fusion protein binding domain of RhoA protein.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein said inhibitory molecule comprises a peptide.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18  wherein said inhibitory molecule comprises a peptide mimic.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein said peptide comprises amino acid residues 67-109 of the RhoA protein.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein said peptide comprises amino acid residues 77-95 of the RhoA protein.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21  wherein said peptide further comprises the amino acid sequence Thr-Asp-Val-Ile-Leu-Met-Cys-Phe-Ser-Ile-Asp-Ser-Pro-Asp-Ser-Leu-Glu-Asn-Ile (SEQ I.D. NO. 1).  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 19  wherein said peptide comprises the amino acid residues 80-89 of the RhoA protein.  
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 23  wherein said peptide further comprises the amino acid sequence Ile-Leu-Met-Cys-Phe-Ser-Ile-Asp-Ser-Pro (SEQ I.D. NO. 2).  
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said administration comprises oral administration.  
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said administration comprises nasal administration.  
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said administration comprises parenteral administration.  
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said administration comprises intravenous administration.  
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said administration comprises topical administration.  
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein said topical administration comprises administration on the surface of the skin or a mucous membrane of a therapeutically effective concentration of inhibitory molecule in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.  
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein said pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprises a spermicidal or other jelly for use during sexual intercourse.  
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein said pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprises a cream or gel for application to scratches, cuts, or needle pricks to the skin.  
     
     
         34 - 74 . (canceled)