Novel uses of mammalian CCR8 receptors and related reagents
AssigneeSchering Corporation
InventorSergio A. Lira
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Abstract
Compositions and methods for using mammalian CCR8 receptor proteins, antagonists and related reagents to treat diseases or conditions associated with Th2-mediated responses in an individual, especially asthma, are provided. The methods comprise administering a therapeutically effective amount of a CCR8 antagonist, alone or in combination with other therapeutic reagents. Also provided are methods for screening for therapeutics. Genetically-engineered animals and their use as models of molecular mechanism are also provided.
Claims15
A method for treating asthma in an animal comprising administering to an animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of an antagonist of a mammalian CCR8 receptor.
A method for screening for drugs useful for treating asthma in an animal, comprising:
- a) incubating components comprising a test compound, a CCR8 receptor polypeptide and a natural ligand under conditions sufficient to allow the components to interact;
- b) measuring the ability of the test compound to block the interaction between CCR8 and the natural ligand.
The use of a CCR8 receptor as a screening target for asthma therapeutics.
A genetically engineered non-human animal whose genome lacks a functional CCR8 gene.
The genetically engineered animal according to claim 13, wherein the animal is a rodent.
A genetically engineered non-human animal embryo whose somatic and germ cells lack a functional CCR8 gene.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.