Recombinant poxvirus

Abstract

Use for novel chemokine-binding protein designated A41L, and chemokine-binding fragments thereof, for the treatment of conditions such as inflammation. The A41L protein binds to chemokines in the CXC group.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A medicament comprising an effective amount of an A41L protein or a chemokine-binding fragment thereof, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.  
     
     
         2 . The medicament according to  claim 1 , wherein the A41L protein or fragment is present as an anti-inflammatory agent.  
     
     
         3 . The medicament according to  claim 2 , wherein the anti-inflammatory agent is capable of binding to at least one chemokine from the CXC group.  
     
     
         4 . The medicament according to  claim 3 , wherein the anti-inflammatory agent is capable of binding to at least one IFN-γ-induced chemokine such as the chemokine Mig or IP-10.  
     
     
         5 . The medicament according to  claim 3 , wherein the anti-inflammatory agent inhibits the activity of the chemokine or chemokines.  
     
     
         6 . The medicament according to  claim 2 , for the treatment or prophylaxis of conditions mediated by IFN-γ-induced chemokines such as Mig and IP-10.  
     
     
         7 . The medicament according to  claim 1 , wherein the A41L protein or fragment is present as an anti-viral agent.  
     
     
         8 . The medicament according to  claim 7 , for the treatment or prophylaxis of infections by pathogens which mediate infection of a target cell via a cellular chemokine receptor.  
     
     
         9 . The medicament according to  claim 8 , wherein the chemokine receptor is a CXC chemokine receptor such as CXCR3.  
     
     
         10 . The medicament according to  claim 7 , for inhibiting binding to and/or infection of a cellular target by HIV.  
     
     
         11 . The medicament according to  claim 7 , for use in prophylaxis.  
     
     
         12 . The medicament according to  claim 1 , wherein the A41L is a poxvirus A41L such as a vaccina virus A41L.  
     
     
         13 . The medicament according to  claim 1 , wherein the A41L protein or fragment thereof is a recombinant protein or fragment.  
     
     
         14 . A method for inhibiting the activity of one or more chemokines in a sample, which method comprises contacting the sample with an effective amount of a chemokine-binding molecule which is an A41L protein or a chemokine-binding fragment thereof.  
     
     
         15 . A purified A41L protein or a chemokine-binding fragment thereof, for use in the method of  claim 14 .  
     
     
         16 . A kit comprising a purified A41L protein or fragment according to  claim 15 .  
     
     
         17 . A medicament comprising a recombinant poxvirus which is genetically engineered to be incapable of expressing a native A41L protein, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for use in treatment or prophylaxis.  
     
     
         18 . A detection method comprising the steps of: 
 a) providing a chemokine-binding molecule which is an A41L protein or a chemokine-binding fragment thereof;    b) contacting the chemokine-binding molecule with a sample;    c) detecting an interaction of the chemokine-binding molecule with a chemokine in the sample.    
     
     
         19 . The detection method according to  claim 18 , for detecting the presence of one or more chemokines in a biological sample.  
     
     
         20 . The detection method according to  claim 18 , for detecting one or more chemokines in the CXC group of chemokines.  
     
     
         21 . The detection method according to  claim 18 , for detecting at least one IFN-γ-induced chemokine such as Mig or IP-10.  
     
     
         22 . The detection method according to  claim 18 , wherein the chemokine-binding molecule is immobilised on a solid support.