VT-362 (CD30) is a 12kDa novel secreted protein.  Viruses have numerous immune evasion strategies including proteins that mimic cellular cytokines and receptors and interfere with the generation of inflammatory signals.  As an example, VT-362 is a viral homologue of the cellular protein CD30, and has demonstrated binding to the ligand for CD30 called CD153 found on the cell surface of some lymphocytes.  VT-362 is unique in has the potential to affect lymphocyte function directly.  Initial work suggests that VT-362 can reduce T-cell activation and inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.  Early in vivo pre-clinical testing has demonstrates VT-362's ability to significantly reduce cytokine expression and lesion formation (granuloma) in a lung inflammatory model. This ability to alter TH1 type responses in vivo highlights its potential in autoimmune diseases.

VT-362 has been shown to bind CD153 on the surface of human neutrophils, thereby preventing interactions between intact cellular CD30 and CD153.  Early preclinical studies of VT-362 have demonstrated an ability to inhibit T-cell activation in vitro, and to prevent the induction of a type 1 (TH1) T-cell response in vivo.