Patent ID: 7446177
Filing Date: 2008-11-04
Classification: A61K,C07K,C12N,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of inhibiting Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection of a liver cell susceptible to infection by HCV bound to a DC-SIGN protein expressing dendritic cell, which comprises contacting the DC-SIGN protein expressing dendritic cell with an amount of an antibody or an antigen- binding portion thereof effective to inhibit binding of an HCV envelope glycoprotein to the DC-SIGN protein present on the surface of the dendritic cell, wherein the antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof binds to the DC-SIGN protein and blocks the interaction between HCV and the DC-SIGN protein expressing dendritic cell, so as to thereby inhibit HCV infection of the liver cell susceptible to HCV infection.