Device for blocking neurotropic viruses in nerve pathways

Abstract

Device for the preventive blocking of neurotropic viruses in the peripheral nervous system, comprising a biochemical injection system for the localized release of a neurospecific binding molecule, a detection unit for the identification of viral particles in neuromuscular tissue, and a receptor bait structure for binding viral glycoproteins with affinity for neuronal receptors, characterized in that the device prevents retrograde axonal viral transmission without permanently impairing the conductivity of the nerve tissue.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to devices and methods for preventing the spread of neurotropic viruses in the peripheral nervous system. In particular, it relates to biochemical injection systems with neurospecific binding molecules that prevent viruses from penetrating nerve cells. State of the art

[0002] Neurotropic viruses, such as the rabies virus, use binding to neuronal receptors to enter nerve cells and spread along the axons to the central nervous system. Current vaccines or antiviral drugs offer only limited protection because they often do not reach sufficient concentrations at the entry points into the nerve pathways. The problem underlying the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a device that prevents retrograde axonal viral transmission without permanently impairing the conductivity of nerve tissue. Summary of the invention

[0004] The task is accomplished by a device comprising a biochemical injection system for the localized release of a neurospecific binding molecule, a detection unit for identifying viral particles in neuromuscular tissue, and a receptor bait structure that binds viral glycoproteins with affinity for neuronal receptors. This blocks viral uptake and prevents transmission along nerve pathways. Examples of implementation - The binding molecule is designed to bind specifically to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. - Release occurs via a temperature- or inflammation-dependent trigger system. - The detection unit is calibrated to envelope proteins of the rabies virus. - The system can be designed as a portable or implantable medical device. Advantages of the invention - Effective blocking of neurotropic viruses at entry points into the nervous system. - Preventive application possible. - No permanent impairment of nerve conduction. - Can be used flexibly (portable or implantable).

Claims

[1] Device for the preventive blocking of neurotropic viruses in the peripheral nervous system, comprising a biochemical injection system for the localized release of a neurospecific binding molecule, a detection unit for the identification of viral particles in neuromuscular tissue and a receptor bait structure for binding viral glycoproteins with affinity for neuronal receptors, characterized by that the device prevents retrograde axonal viral transmission without permanently impairing the conductivity of nerve tissue. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the binding molecule binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and blocks viral uptake there. [3] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the release of the molecule is controlled via a temperature- or inflammation-dependent trigger system. [4] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the detection unit is calibrated to viral envelope proteins of the rabies virus. [5] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the system is designed as a portable or implantable medical device.