Molecules clinging specifically to a lure and their use

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a novel method for identifying molecules (ligands) that specifically bind to a particular target molecule (referred to as a 'lure'), such as certain protein domains (e.g., SH3 domains of tyrosine kinases), by using a selection protocol involving competitive washing with similar molecules (competitors). The result is the isolation of highly specific binding molecules, including defined peptides with therapeutic potential, which can be used to inhibit specific protein interactions in biological systems. The technique significantly improves specificity over traditional selection methods.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Development of targeted therapeutic agents for diseases where specific protein-protein interactions are pathogenic, such as HIV-1 and Hepatitis C.
• Research tools for mapping and studying complex cellular signaling pathways by selectively inhibiting or tracking specific proteins.
• Creation of more selective drugs with fewer side-effects for autoimmune diseases, cancers (especially those involving Src-family kinases), and immune suppression (e.g., for transplant rejection).
• Screening and discovery of highly specific ligands for diagnostic or biosensor applications, enabling precise molecular detection.
• Integration into in vitro selection platforms (e.g., phage display, SELEX, bacterial surface display) to develop or refine binders/aptamers for a wide range of targets.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Achieves much higher selectivity for the target molecule, reducing off-target effects and improving therapeutic utility.
• Allows discovery and development of peptide and protein therapeutics that can specifically modulate disease-related pathways.
• Can be adapted to a wide range of target molecules and selection platforms, increasing its versatility in drug discovery and biotechnology.
• Enables the design of research tools that can probe specific protein domains, advancing basic biological understanding.
• Reduces undesired side activities that arise from non-specific binding, thus improving safety and effectiveness of resulting drugs and reagents.

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Patent Abstract

Identification of a ligand that bind specifically to a receptor molecule comprises providing an immobilized receptor molecule, contacting the immobilized molecule with a solution containing a library of target molecule, contacting the immobilized receptor molecules that are bound to the target molecule with at least a competitor molecule, increasing the number of target molecules that are bound to the receptor molecule, repeating the above steps and identifying the structure of the molecule remaining on the receptor molecule. Identification of a ligand that bind specifically to a receptor molecule comprises (a) providing an immobilized receptor molecule, (b) contacting the immobilized molecule acting as a receptor molecule with a solution that contains a library of target molecule, (c) contacting the immobilized receptor molecules that are bound to the target molecule with at least a competitor molecule as a specificity-exhibiting washing step, (d) increasing the number of target molecules that are bound to the receptor molecule even after contacting the immobilized receptor molecule that are bound to the target molecule in contact with the competitor molecule, and (e) repeating the above steps and identifying the structure of the molecule remaining on the receptor molecule after the repeating step. Independent claims are included for: (1) a protein comprising fully defined 12 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1-5) as given in the specification; and (2) a therapeutic agent that exhibits a structure according to one of SEQ ID NO: 1-5. ACTIVITY : Cytostatic; Anti-HIV; Antiinflammatory; Hepatotropic; Virucide. MECHANISM OF ACTION : None given.