A GENETIC SCREENING METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING AN OLIGOADENYLATE SYNTHETASE GENE MUTATION, POLYPEPTIDES ENCODED BY THE MUTATED GENE AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING THE SAME

摘要

A method for detecting a mutation related to the gene encoding OAS 1. 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 OAS 1, including antisense oligonucleotides, methods, and compositions specific for human OASI, are also provided.