Targeting IL-7R Signaling as a Therapy for Autoimmune Disorders
John Bethea and Thomas Malek
Problem
Many autoimmune diseases, including Multiple Sclerosis, have no known cure. MS medications often have adverse effects or are poorly tolerated by patients, as almost all of the drugs that are used, were developed for other purposes. As a result, existing therapeutics are not optimal for the treatment of the root mechanisms of autoimmune diseases.
Solution
By targeting IL-7R signaling, a novel approach for developing biologics or drugs specifically for the treatment MS and other autoimmune diseases has been discovered. An animal disease model, and experimental data support the role of IL-7R: 1) mice lacking interleukin 7 receptor alpha chain (IL-7Rα) signaling outside the thymus showed significant protection against the disease phenotype over 40 days, and 2) mice injected with IL-7Rα blocking antibody were also significantly protected when compared to controls. When the antibody was delivered prior to disease induction, the animals were protected. When the antibody was delivered after the disease was induced, the animals were found to improve, thus by targeting IL-7R signaling, therapeutic, as well as protective effects were observed.
Competitive Advantage
A novel therapeutic target site specifically for the treatment of MS and other autoimmune diseases has been identified.
Applications
Compositions which modulate IL-7R signaling could be used for therapeutic, as well as for preventative purposes for MS and other autoimmune disorders.
Patent Status
US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/146,591 was filed on January 22, 2009.
Licensing Opportunity
We are seeking a commercialization partnership for a specific treatment/preventative approach for MS and other autoimmune diseases.
About the Inventors
John R. Bethea, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Neuroscience Program, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine.
Thomas H. Malek, Ph.D., is Professor and Vice-Chair, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and Diabetes Research Institute at the Miller School of Medicine.
