ACTIVATION OF CELLULAR ASSAULT PROCESSES IN THE TREATMENT OF GLIOBLASTOMA MULTIFORME

摘要

Polypeptides, such as a multi-valent polypeptide designated SVL4, useful in pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment glioblastoma multiforme. SVL4 demonstrated in vivo activity against a syngeneic mouse model of this condition. SVL4 and other polypeptides described herein are mimetics of a natural glycan ligand that binds to activating receptors on immune cells. These polypeptides bind lectins specific for galactose with high-avidity. SVL4, for example, is biologically active at nanomolar concentrations and has a relatively long lifetime in blood. These properties are believed to result as a consequence of the ability of SVL4 and other polypeptides described herein to cross-link cell-surface receptors.