Methods and Compositions for Reducing Amyloid Beta Levels
AssigneeThe J. David Gladstone Institutes
InventorsLi Gan, Lennart Mucke
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Abstract
The present invention provides methods for reducing the level of amyloid beta protein in a cell or tissue, the methods generally involving contacting the cell or tissue with an agent that reduces cystatin C levels and/or activity. The present invention provides methods for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD), and methods for treating cerebral angiopathy, in an individual, the methods generally involving administering to an individual having AD a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that reduces cystatin C levels and/or activity. The present invention further provides methods for identifying an agent that reduces cystatin C levels and/or activity.
Claims18
A method of reducing the level of amyloid beta protein in a cell or a tissue, the method comprising contacting the cell or tissue with an agent that selectively reduces cystatin C levels and/or activity in the cell or tissue, wherein reduction of cystatin C levels and/or activity results in a reduced level of amyloid beta protein in the cell or tissue.
A method of identifying an agent that selectively reduces cystatin C-mediated inhibition of cathepsin B enzymatic activity, the method comprising
- a) forming a test sample by contacting a test agent with:
- i) a substrate for cathepsin B;
- ii) a cystatin C polypeptide;
- and iii) a cathepsin B polypeptide;
- and
- b) determining the effect, if any, of the test agent on the level of cathepsin B activity in the test sample, compared to the level of cathepsin B activity in a control sample in the absence of the test agent, wherein a test agent that results in a increased level of cathepsin B activity compared to the control sample is candidate agent for reducing amyloid beta levels in an individual.
A method of treating Alzheimer's disease in an individual, the method comprising administering to an individual having Alzheimer's disease an effective amount of an agent that selectively reduces cystatin C levels and/or activity.
A method of treating cerebral angiopathy in an individual, the method comprising administering to an individual in need thereof an effective amount of an agent that selectively reduces cystatin C levels and/or activity.
A method of reducing cerebral hemorrhage in an individual, the method comprising administering to an individual in need thereof an effective amount of an agent that selectively reduces cystatin C levels and/or activity.
A method of treating immunotherapy-induced microhemorrhage in an individual, the method comprising administering to an individual in need thereof an effective amount of an agent that selectively reduces cystatin C levels and/or activity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.