MOLECULAR TARGETS AND COMPOUNDS, AND METHODS TO IDENTIFY THE SAME, USEFUL IN THE TREATMENT OF FIBROTIC DISEASES

摘要

The present invention relates to methods and assays for identifying agents useful in the treatment of fibrotic conditions. The invention provides polypeptide and nucleic acid TARGETs, siRNA sequences based on these TARGETs and antibodies against the TARGETs. The invention is further related to pharmaceutical composition comprising siRNA sequences based on the TARGETs and antibodies against the TARGETs for use in the treatment of fibrotic conditions. The invention further provides in vitro methods for reduction or inhibition of macrophage differentiation into alternatively-activated macrophages (M2).

主权项

1. A method for identifying a compound useful for the treatment of fibrosis, said method comprising:
a) contacting a test compound with a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 26-50, fragments and structurally functional derivatives thereof, or with a cell expressing said polypeptide; b) determining a binding affinity of the test compound to said polypeptide, or measuring expression, amount or an activity of said polypeptide; c) contacting the test compound with a population of macrophage cells; d) measuring a property related to differentiation of macrophages into alternatively activated macrophages; and e) identifying a compound capable of reducing or inhibiting macrophage differentiation into alternatively-activated macrophages and demonstrating binding affinity to said polypeptide or reducing or inhibiting the expression, amount or an activity of said polypeptide.