Abstract: The invention provides therapeutic compositions useful in the treatment of bacterial superantigen mediated conditions, such as Toxic Shock Syndrome. The compositions comprise genetically engineered bifunctional polypeptides containing a specific T-cell receptor binding domain and a specific MHC class II receptor binding domain, each targeting non-overlapping epitopes on a superantigen molecule against which they are designed. The anti-superantigen “receptor mimetics” or “chimeras” are rationally designed to recreate the modality of superantigen binding directly to both the TCR and the MHC-II receptor, and are capable of acting as decoys for superantigen binding, effectively out-competing the host T-cell and MHC-II receptors, the natural host receptors.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 24, 2003
Date of Patent:
August 18, 2009
Assignee:
Los Alamos National Security, LLC
Inventors:
Goutam Gupta, Elizabeth Hong-Geller, Patrick R. Shiflett, Nancy M. Lehnert