Treatment of preterm labor with toll-like receptor 9 antagonists

摘要

The invention provides a method for treating or preventing preterm labor in pregnant female subjects. The method comprises the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a Toll-like Receptor 9 antagonist sufficient to prevent the activation of Toll-like Receptor 9 by fetal DNA. The invention further provides compositions comprising a Toll-like Receptor 9 antagonist for use in the methods of the invention. The compositions and methods of the present invention enhance gestation and therefore improve neonatal morbidity and mortality.

主权项

1. A method for reducing the incidence of onset of premature labor and/or preterm birth caused by fetal DNA induced inflammatory response, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a therapeutically effective amount of an agent which is an antagonist of Toll-like Receptor 9 (TLR9) biological activity and intracellular signaling, wherein the agent is chloroquine, and administering the agent to a pregnant female subject in need of such treatment, wherein administration of the agent blocks TLR9-meditated fetal DNA induced inflammatory response.