Human-Phosphate-Binding-Protein inhibits HIV-1 gene transcription and replication
Authors: Ermanno Candolfi
Patrick Masson
Thomas Cherrier
Guillaume Gotthard
Andrea Janossy
Houda Hallay
Alicia Jeudy
Valentin Le Douce
Eric Chabrière
Christian Schwartz
Olivier Rohr
Mikael Elias
Journal: Virology Journal (2011)
Discipline: MICROBIOLOGY
Keywords: HPBP; phosphate-binding protein; DING protein family; HIV-1; gene transcription
Affiliations: Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, EA 4438, Université de Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé, 67000 Strasbourg, France.

Abstract:  The Human Phosphate-Binding protein (HPBP) is a serendipitously discovered lipoprotein that binds phosphate with high affinity. HPBP belongs to the DING protein family, involved in various biological processes like cell cycle regulation. We report that HPBP inhibits HIV-1 gene transcription and replication in T cell line, primary peripherical blood lymphocytes and primary macrophages. We show that HPBP is efficient in naïve and HIV-1 AZT-resistant strains. Our results revealed HPBP as a new and potent anti HIV molecule that inhibits transcription of the virus, which has not yet been targeted by HAART and therefore opens new strategies in the treatment of HIV infection. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 This paper describes the Human Phosphate Binding Protein, and its anti HIV activity. The authors declare no competing interests. However, authors of this paper appear to have filed several patents with PCT file dates pre-dating the submission of this paper (19 April 2011). * Use of phosphate binding proteins, US 7,718,773 B2 - PCT Filed October 2004, Prior Publication Date August 2007, Patent granted May 2010: https: patentimages.storage.googleapis.com 37 6a 39 be25389edbabd2 US7718773.pdf * Antiviral agents, US9,492.501 B2 - PCT Filed March 2010 - https: patentimages.storage.googleapis.com 80 f8 a6 518e9f4bed8214 US9492501.pdf ![file] ![file] Could the authors please clarify why these (provisional) patent applications were not disclosed? , 
 Dr Bik, Regarding the 2010 filing, as you well know, scientific publications did not typically disclose patents related to the subject of the publication at that time, unless it constituted a competing financial interest (i.e. a license, royalties; see The Duty to Disclose Patent Rights, by R. M Lebovitz, 2007). Accordingly, perhaps regrettably, several journal policies, at that time (and possibly still today for some journals), did not systematically require the disclosure of patents related to the subject of the publication in that case. In light of the above, this patent has never been licensed, therefore it was not still may not be considered as a competing financial interest (See The Duty to Disclose Patent Rights, by R. M Lebovitz, 2007). Quote: Scientific research publications do not, as a rule, disclose the existence of patent rights associated with the subject matter of the publication.  With that said, and the greater efforts in the last decade to increase transparency and education of researchers around potential COI (mentioned by Lebovitz), this work published today would certainly include the patent information. And that would indeed be better. Thanks much, Mikael Elias ,