COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS INVOLVING ENDOGENOUS RETROVIRUS PROTEINS

摘要

This disclosure describes methods and compositions that involve endogenous retrovirus proteins as diagnostic markers and/or therapeutic agents. The detection of endogenous retrovirus envelope proteins on a cell surface can indicate early neoplasticity of the cell. Antibody compositions that specifically bind to cell-surface-expressed endogenous retrovirus proteins may be used in such diagnostic methods. Overexpression of the endogenous retrovirus proteins can slow cell growth and decrease cell viability.

主权项

1. A method of slowing cellular growth, the method comprising:
increasing expression of an endogenous retrovirus envelope protein in at least one cell, wherein the cell expresses p53 and expression of the retrovirus envelope protein is controlled by p53; and exposing the cell to conditions that upregulate expression of p53.