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
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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 composition comprising an isolated peptide that comprises a fragment of an extracellular domain of E-cadherin that
- contains an amino acid sequence that specifically binds to αEβ7 integrin, and
- wherein the peptide specifically inhibits heterotypic adhesion between a T lymphocyte and an E-cadherin expressing cell, and wherein the peptide does not inhibit homotypic adhesion.
A method for inhibiting adhesion in vitro between a T lymphocyte and an E-cadherin expressing cell comprising:
- contacting the E-cadherin expressing cell with a peptide that inhibits adhesion between E-cadherin and αEβ7, wherein the peptide that inhibits adhesion is an isolated peptide comprising the extracellular domain of E-cadherin or a fragment thereof that inhibits the adhesion.
A method for modulating an immune response in a subject comprising:
- administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition containing a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a peptide that inhibits adhesion between E-cadherin and, αEβ7, wherein the peptide is an isolated peptide comprising the extracellular domain of E-cadherin or a fragment thereof that inhibits the adhesion, and wherein the isolated peptide is present in a therapeutically effective amount to modulate an immune response.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.