Abstract: The present invention includes the method of treating a viral infection, specifically one occurring as a result of infection by a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1). The method of treatment depends upon the ligand binding of the Ah receptor. Transformation and translocation of the receptor and DNA binding are not required. The study of compounds that interact with the Ah receptor, either as agonists, or antagonists, has resulted in the identification of compounds with useful therapeutic properties through perturbation of viral pathogenic signal transduction pathways. Antagonists of the Ah receptor are more likely candidates for treatment because the toxicity of such compounds is low. Identification of molecules affecting cellular targets, such as the Ah receptor, that inhibit viral pathologic signaling would be of great therapeutic potential as the activity of these molecules is not directed against the virus itself, therefore genetic viral mutation to escape such therapy would be far less likely to occur.

Abstract: A method of detecting dioxin-like compounds consisting essentially of the group of compounds: polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, polychlorinated biphenyls, and structural analogues thereof which exhibit biological activity characteristic of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, polychlorinated biphenyls. The assay includes: 1) an inactive Ah receptor in a form capable of binding to the dioxin-like compounds and being transformed to an active form that forms a complex with ARNT and binds a dioxin responsive element, and 2) a quantity of ARNT sufficient to optimize Ah receptor transformation. A test sample is contacted with the assay under conditions effective to bind the dioxin-like compounds to the Ah receptor and allow transformation of the Ah receptor to an active form that forms a complex with ARNT. The presence of the complex containing the transformed Ah receptor and the ARNT is detected.

Abstract: The present invention includes the method of treating a viral infection, specifically one occurring as a result of infection by a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1). The method of treatment depends upon the ligand binding of the Ah receptor. Transformation and translocation of the receptor and DNA binding are not required. The study of compounds that interact with the Ah receptor, either as agonists, or antagonists, has resulted in the identification of compounds with useful therapeutic properties through perturbation of viral pathogenic signal transduction pathways. Antagonists of the Ah receptor are more likely candidates for treatment because the toxicity of such compounds is low. Identification of molecules affecting cellular targets, such as the Ah receptor, that inhibit viral pathologic signaling would be of great therapeutic potential as the activity of these molecules is not directed against the virus itself, therefore genetic viral mutation to escape such therapy would be far less likely to occur.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of detecting dioxin-like compounds in a test sample. The test sample is contacted with a heteromer formed from a plurality of proteins, one of which is an inactive Ah receptor. If dioxin-like compounds are present in the test sample, they will bind to the Ah receptor causing it to dissociate from the heteromer as a complex containing active Ah receptor bound to a dioxin-like compound ligand. The presence of the complex is then detected. The process of the present invention can be practiced utilizing solid phase capture, competitive, and sandwich immunoassay test kit formats.