Vh4 codon signature for multiple sclerosis
AssigneeBoard of Regents, The University of Texas System
InventorNancy MONSON
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention provides for the diagnosis and prediction of multiple sclerosis (MS) in subject utilizing a unique a codon signature in VH4 expressing B cells that has now been associated with MS and not with any other autoimmune disease.
Claims20
A method for identifying a human subject having or at risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) comprising assessing the VH4 structure of a VH4-expressing B-cell from said subject, wherein the presence of a codon signature associated with MS identifies said subject as having or at risk of developing MS.
A method of screening for an agent useful in treating multiple sclerosis (MS) comprising:
- (a) providing an antibody produced by a VH4-expressing B-cell, said antibody comprising mutations at three or more codons selected from the group consisting of 31B, 32, 40, 56, 57, 60, 81 and 89;
- (b) contacting said antibody with a candidate ligand;
- and
- (c) assessing binding of said candidate ligand to said antibody,
- wherein binding of said candidate ligand to said antibody identifies said candidate ligand as useful in treating MS.
A method of treating a subject having or at risk of developing MS comprising administering to said subject a ligand that binds to an antibody VH-4 antibody comprising mutations at three or more codons selected from the group consisting of 31B, 32, 40, 56, 57, 60, 81 and 89.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.