Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Antagonists for Treating Viral Infections

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

This patent describes the use of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) antagonists, such as monoclonal antibodies (e.g., infliximab, adalimumab), TNF receptor fusion proteins (e.g., etanercept), and other small molecules, for treating viral infections—especially chronic infections characterized by persistent immune dysfunction and T cell exhaustion, such as HIV, hepatitis B/C, Epstein-Barr virus, and cytomegalovirus. The invention is based on findings that blocking TNF-alpha can restore immune system effectiveness by reducing T cell exhaustion and chronic inflammation, thereby enhancing antiviral T cell responses and potentially enabling better control or clearance of the chronic viral infection.

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

• Treating chronic viral infections in humans, including HIV, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV).
• Adjunctive therapy for patients with chronic viral infections who exhibit immune dysfunction or poor response to standard antiviral treatments.
• Potential application in the management of chronic viral inflammation and immune exhaustion syndromes.
• Clinical protocols aiming to rejuvenate exhausted T cell populations in chronically infected patients, improving immune-mediated control of the virus.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Restores the effectiveness of the immune system, particularly by reversing T cell exhaustion.
• Reduces chronic inflammation associated with persistent viral infections, potentially decreasing related complications.
• May improve patient outcomes when added to standard antiviral therapies, leading to better viral control or even clearance.
• Targets upstream immunoregulatory pathways, potentially reducing the need to block multiple downstream inhibitory signals.
• Applicable to a wide range of chronic viral infections affecting millions globally.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to a tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) antagonist for use in a method of treating a viral infection in a patient.