Novel Peptide Therapeutic for Multiple Sclerosis

Summary Background: In Multiple Sclerosis, the host’s immune system (lead by T cells) attacks and destroys myelin basic protein, the principle component necessary for nerve transmission. Part and parcel of this immune response pathway are the so-called Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. MHC molecules interact with myelin basic protein and bring it to the cell surface for interaction with T cells, which in turn proliferate and dispose lethal inflammatory cytokines to the cell. This trimeric interaction between T-cells, myelin basic protein, and MHC molecules forms the foundation of Multiple Schlerosis’ autoimmune response. Consequently, there is a need to develop agents that can target and inhibit this critical focal point of the disease.

Invention: A peptide therapy for treatment of multiple sclerosis. The peptides mimic myelin basic protein and inhibit proliferation of T-cells. The amino acid sequences of the peptide are made with modifications to their structure so as to enhance binding to MHC and the T-cell receptor. This enhanced binding between the peptides, MHC, and T cell receptor inhibits downstream effectors of the MS autoimmune response and induces immunological tolerance.

Applications Advantages: The myelin basic protein peptides have a greater affinity for binding to the MHC class II HLA-DR2 protein groove than an immunodominant epitope from myelin basic protein and an epitope comprising MBP residues 85-99. These agents have also been tested and proven efficacious in an animal model of MS.

Commercial Applications and Market: A pharmaceutical drug for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. There are approximately 350,000 in the US and 2.5 million worldwide that suffer from MS.

Publications: Fridkis-Hareli, M., Santambrogio, L., Stern, J.N., Fugger, L., Brosnan, C., and Strominger, J.L. Novel synthetic amino acid copolymers that inhibit autoantigen-specific T cell responses and suppress experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J. Clin. Invest. 109: 1635-1643 (2002).


Patent: U.S. Patent 6,930, 168 Other Patents Pending For Further Information Please Contact the Director of Business Development Laura Brass Email: [email protected] Telephone: (617) 495-3067

Inventor(s): Strominger, Jack L.

Type of Offer: Licensing



Next Patent »
« More Chemistry Patents
« More Life Sciences Patents

Share on      


CrowdSell Your Patent