Novel galectin sequences and compositions and methods utilizing same for treating or diagnosing arthritis and other chronic inflammatory diseases

Abstract

Isolated polynucleotides encoding novel galectin-8 variants polypeptides are provided. Also provided are methods and kits using same for diagnosing prognosing and treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other joint / chronic inflammatory diseases.

Description

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of PCT Patent Application No. PCT / IL03 / 00960, filed Nov. 13, 2003, which claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 428,691, filed Nov. 25, 2002 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 426,041, filed Nov. 14, 2002, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to novel galectin sequences and use thereof in treatment or diagnosis of arthritis and other chronic inflammatory diseases. [0003] Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disease primarily involving the joints. It affects 1-3% of the population with a female to male ratio of 3:1. Constitutional symptoms may include malaise, fever and weight loss. The disease characteristically begins in the small joints of the hands and feet, usually progressing in a centripetal and symmetric fashion. Deformation of joints and disability are very common, b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019] According to yet an additional aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of reducing inflammatory response in an individual, comprising providing to the individual a galectin-8 polypeptide or a variant or derivative thereof, thereby reducing the inflammatory response in the individual.

Problems solved by technology

Deformation of joints and disability are very common, but the disease may also decrease expected life span by an average of ˜9 years in the more active forms.

Selective therapeutic targeting of pathological cells, such as inflammatory cells is a major challenge for modern medicine.

Unfortunately, the existence of such discrete target entities in pathological cells is not an obvious phenomenon.

Discrimination between “harmful” inflammatory cells, involved in self-destruction, and inflammatory cells engaged in the eradication of microorganisms is complicated, because there is no indication that the two cell types differ chemically or biologically.

Unfortunately, targeting of TCR or MHC molecules would be effective only at the initial phase of autoimmune diseases, when the symptoms are still undetectable.

Consequently, in many cases this approach may be impractical.

However, the same molecules are also involved in essential physiological functions and, therefore, it is unpredictable when and how the price of such “nonspecific” therapy will be exacted.

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