University of Pittsburgh researchers have identified novel genes capable of producing antagonists to a key regulator of pain response, TRPTV1, with the potential to revolutionize the treatment of chronic pain.
Description
TRPTV1, an important regulator of primary afferent nociceptive activity and pain signaling has been shown to contribute to pain in patients with a variety of conditions. These novel antagonists, produced using Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)-based gene therapy vectors, can reduce pain response through regulating TRPTV1 activity, providing a novel approach to the treatment of chronic pain to improve the quality of life of millions of patients.
Applications
Chronic Pain Management
Arthritis
Cancer
Advantages
Chronic pain is a major cause of suffering, impacting on the quality of life of millions of people globally, with a substantial financial and healthcare burden. Pain related pathways are complex involving neurotransmitters, receptors, and ion-channels, making selective targeting of the root cause difficult. This problem has led to a systemic treatment of pain that can lead to tolerance, addiction, and side effects including delirium, gastrointestinal issues, and nausea.
Evidence-based data demonstrate how TRPV1 contributes to pain states in patients. The TRPV1 receptor found on the surface of small unmyelinated C-fibers thought to be the primary nociceptors, provides a novel target for clinical therapy. Using replication defective HSV vectors, novel genes have been found to specifically target TRPV1 receptors, reducing the risk of adverse effects. Potentially this novel therapeutic approach could also benefit patients where previous treatments have failed.
Invention Readiness
Earlier work has led to the development of a screening tool for HSV-vectors containing genes expressing antagonists of TRPV1 activation in Vero cells, commonly used for HSV growth. Screening identified a gene, PP1a, responsible for expressing PP1a phosphatase, that altered TRPV1 activity. In vivo studies showed injection of these novel HSV-vectors into the paws of rats reduced pain behaviors linked to TRPTV1 exclusively. Clear benefits were seen up to five weeks after administration demonstrating the potential for these agents to manage chronic pain.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US20170283782A1
