Methods and compositions for modulating heterotypic E-cadherin interactions with T lymphocytes
AssigneeThe Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.
InventorsMichael B. Brenner, Karyn L. Cepek
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for modulating the heterotypic adhesion between E-cadherin expressing cells and T lymphocytes. Monoclonal antibodies which specifically bind to E-cadherin and isolated peptides which mimic the binding function of E-cadherin also are provided. The antibodies and peptides are useful in screening assays to identify pharmaceutical lead compounds which are capable of modulating adhesion between T lymphocytes and E-cadherin expressing cells. Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for modifying the mucosal immune response of a subject also are provided.
Claims6
A method for inhibiting adhesion between a T lymphocyte and an E-cadherin expressing cell comprising
- contacting the E-cadherin expressing cell with an agent that inhibits adhesion between E-cadherin and a heterotypic congate of E-cadherin, wherein the agent that inhibits adhesion is a monoclonal antibody specifically reactive with E-cadherin.
A method for modulating an immune response in a subject comprising:
- administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition containing a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and an agent that inhibits adhesion between E-cadherin and a heterotypic cognate of E-cadherin, wherein the agent that inhibits adhesion is a monoclonal antibody specifically reactive with E-cadherin, and wherein the monoclonal antibody is present in a therapeutically effective amount to modulate the immune response.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.