Detection of Mutations in a Gene Associated with Resistance to Viral Infection, OAS1

Abstract

A method for detecting a mutation related to the gene encoding OAS1. This and other disclosed mutations correlate with resistance of humans to viral infection including hepatitis C. Also provided is a therapeutic agent consisting of a protein or polypeptide encoded by the mutated gene, or a polynucleotide encoding the protein or polypeptide. Inhibitors of human OAS1, including antisense oligonucleotides, methods, and compositions specific for human OAS1, are also provided.

1 - 27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . A method of treating viral infection in a mammal comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a composition comprising a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:48 or an amino acid sequence with at least 95% sequence homology to SEQ ID NO:48. 
     
     
         29 - 31 . (canceled) 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 28  wherein said viral infection is an infection with a double-stranded RNA virus. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 28  wherein said viral infection is an infection with a flavivirus. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33  wherein said flavivirus is the hepatitis C virus. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 28  wherein said viral infection is an infection with a paramyxovirus. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 28  wherein said viral infection is an infection with a virus selected from the group consisting of HIV, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, coronavirus, parainfluenza, hepatitis A, measles, mumps, West Nile, dengue, yellow fever, polio, herpes, and human papilloma virus. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 28  where said viral infection is severe acute respiratory syndrome. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 28  wherein said mammal does not naturally produce said oligoadenylate synthetase 1. 
     
     
         39 - 81 . (canceled)