Lactobacilli: Blocking HIV/HSV by Mannose Binding

描述（由申请人提供）：人类免疫缺陷病毒（HIV）和单纯疱疹病毒（HSV）引起显著的发病率和死亡率。虽然这两种病毒都可以通过性行为传播，但生殖器疱疹患者更容易感染艾滋病毒。避孕套提供了很好的保护，但由于依从性差，效果有限。妇女最好使用其他预防措施，如杀微生物剂。HIV是一种RNA病毒，而HSV是一种DNA病毒，但它们都有一个含有高甘露糖的包膜。巧合的是，某些乳酸菌通过特定的结合蛋白依赖的糖摄取系统自然捕获甘露糖作为首选营养素。它的糖结合蛋白（凝集素）与甘露糖结合。通过对近1000株口服和阴道凝集素的筛选，我们从口服和阴道乳酸菌中选择了2株和5株可以捕获和代谢HIV/HSV包膜甘露糖的乳酸菌。因此，我们提出以甘露糖结合乳杆菌凝集素（LMBL）为基础，开发一种抗HIV和HSV的益生菌杀菌剂。我们假设LMBL+乳酸菌可以通过甘露糖特异性结合来阻断HIV和HSV感染。本项目为临床前研究。我们将追求五个具体目标：(1)候选LMBL+乳酸菌的表型和基因型分析；(2)证明LMBL+乳酸菌对HSV-2和HIV-1的体外抑制作用；(3)在小鼠疱疹模型中检测LMBL+乳酸菌体内抗hsv -2的效果；(4)评价LMBL+乳酸菌在家兔和大鼠体内的安全性；(5)优化益生菌杀菌剂的配方、包装和保质期。本研究完成后，我们将获得临床前数据，并为临床试验做好准备。这种方法的优点包括安全、持久保护和成本效益。与所有其他杀菌剂相比，新方法可以与顺应性无关。它可以不显眼、不显眼地保护女性。我们的长期目标是开发一种生物预防方法，可以作为疫苗或物理屏障的替代或补充，以保护妇女免受艾滋病毒和单纯疱疹病毒的性传播。我们建议开发一种新的方法来对抗艾滋病和疱疹病毒与它们的天敌。我们已经分离出一组友好的乳酸菌，它们可以捕获病毒的糖，从而杀死病毒，就像猫抓老鼠一样。这种方法的成功开发可能会遏制全球艾滋病毒/单纯疱疹病毒的流行，并最终挽救许多生命。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) cause significant morbidity and mortality. While both viruses can be transmitted sexually, people with genital herpes are more prone to HIV. Condoms offer excellent protection, but the effect has been limited due to poor compliance. Alternative prophylaxis, such as microbicides, for use by women are desirable. HIV is an RNA virus, while HSV is a DNA virus, but they both have an envelope with high mannose. Coincidentally, certain lactobacilli naturally capture mannose as a preferred nutrient by a specific binding protein-dependent sugar uptake system. Its sugar-binding protein (lectin) binds mannose. By screening nearly 1,000 oral and vaginal strains for such lectin, we have selected two strains from oral and five from vaginal lactobacilli that can capture and metabolize envelope mannose of HIV/HSV. Therefore, we propose to develop a probiotic microbicide against both HIV and HSV based on Lactobacillus mannose-binding lectin (LMBL). We hypothesize that LMBL+ lactobacilli can block both HIV and HSV infections by mannose-specific binding. This project is to perform preclinical studies. We will pursue five specific aims: (1) phenotypic and genotypic analyses of candidate LMBL+ lactobacilli; (2) document blockage of LMBL+ lactobacilli against HSV-2 and HIV-1 in vitro; (3) test anti-HSV-2 efficacy of LMBL+ lactobacilli in vivo in a mouse herpes model; (4) assess safety of LMBL+ lactobacilli in vivo in rabbits and rats; and (5) optimize formulation, packaging, and shelf life of the probiotic microbicide. Upon completion of this study, we will achieve preclinical data and be ready for clinical trials. Putative advantages of this method include safety, persistent protection and cost-efficiency. Superior to all other, microbicides, the new method can be compliance-independent. It can protect women unobtrusively and inconspicuously. Our long-term goal is to develop a bio-prophylaxis that can serve as an alternative or supplement to vaccines or physical barriers to protect women against sexual transmission of HIV and HSV. We propose to develop a novel method to fight AIDS and herpes viruses with their natural enemies. We have isolated a group of friendly lactobacilli, which can capture viruses for their sugar, thereby killing the virus, much like cats catching mice. Successful development of this method will likely curb the global HIV/HSV pandemic and ultimately save many lives.