Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2007

Mentor: Philip Thorpe, PhD
Department: Pharmacology
Room number: NC7.304
Mail Code: 8594
Phone number: 81268
E-mail: Philip.Thorpe@utsouthwestern.edu
Project title: Broad-Spectrum Anti-Viral Peptides.

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): N/A

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): Pending

Project Type (patient-based research, animal-based research, or basic research; this characterization is only to permit a general classification for grouping similar types of projects) Basic research/animal based research

Brief Description of Project:

We are developing new broad-spectrum anti-viral drugs that recognize 'inside-out' phospholipids on the viral envelope and on virally infected cells. The first drugs we developed are monoclonal antibodies against phosphatidylserine. These have progressed through demonstrations of efficacy in rodent virus models to clinical trials in hepatitis C virus patients. A second generation of peptide-based drugs directed against phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine is now being developed. We have confirmed activity of the peptides against murine cytomegalovirus in rodents. The goal of the current project is to determine the spectrum of antiviral activity on different viruses and to investigate the mode of anti-viral action of the peptides.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students:

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