Methods and compositions using molecular decoyants for ameliorating the undesired effects of foreign agents which bind to endogenous receptors

摘要

PCT No. PCT/US88/02991 Sec. 371 Date Jun. 30, 1989 Sec. 102(e) Date Jun. 30, 1989 PCT Filed Aug. 30, 1988 PCT Pub. No. WO89/01779 PCT Pub. Date Mar. 9, 1989Molecular decoyants are chemical structures which functionally resemble an endogenous receptor. They may be used for the treatment of humans or other animals which have been subjected to a foreign agent which exerts an undesired effect only after first binding to that endogenous receptor. A decoyant is a fraction of an endogenous receptor which retains the essential elements of the binding site of the receptor for the foreign agent or is a synthetic or biosynthetic derivative thereof. The alpha 184-200 amino acid sequence of Torpedo californica acetylcholine receptor is an example of a decoyant which protects against curarimimetic neurotoxins. Another example is the fraction of the CD4 receptor which retains the essential elements of the receptor for protection against HIV.