Identification of a Specific Ligand for Siglec-8

JHU scientists have created a unique, carbohydrate-based chemical structure that binds to the cell surface protein Siglec-8, which is expressed by human eosinophils, basophils and mast cells. Siglec-8 reduces the activity of these cells and when bound by modulators, Siglec-8 signals eosinophils to rapidly undergo apoptosis or programmed cell death. Because basophils and mast cells also express Siglec-8, it has been inferred that a similar apoptosis response occurs upon Siglec-8 binding to ligands. It has been hypothesized that other inhibitory signals may be transduced by Siglec-8, such as inhibition of histamine release from basophils and mast cells or inhibition of eosinophil degranulation. As these cells mediate pathology in asthma and allergic diseases, molecules based on the disclosed carbohydrate structure may reduce the numbers and/or level of activation of these cells and alleviate symptoms. Other diseases caused by increased numbers or activation of these cell types (e.g., hypereosinophilic syndromes, mastocytosis, leukemias, urticaria) may also be amenable to treatment using such molecules. Description (Set) Proposed Use (Set) Molecules containing the key elements or based upon the disclosed structure may be novel drugs that reduce asthmatic or allergic symptoms by reducing the numbers and/or level of activation of eosinophils, basophils and/or mast cells. In addition, other diseases associated with increased numbers or activation of these same cell types (e.g., hypereosinophilic syndromes, mastocytosis, leukemias, urticaria, Churg-Strauss syndrome, eosinophilic esophagitis, eosinophilic gastroenteritis, nasal polyposis) may be therapeutic targets of such molecules. Patent (Set) WO2005/116088

Inventor(s): Bochner, Bruce

Type of Offer: Licensing



Next Patent »
« More Medical Patents

Share on      


CrowdSell Your Patent