IL- 18 AND PROTEIN KINASE R INHIBITION FOR THE TREATMENT OF COPD

摘要

The present invention encompasses compositions and methods directed to preventing, inhibiting, or treating inflammation, alveolar remodeling, or cell death in lung which results from elevation of IL- 18, IFN-?, or PKR where the methods of the present invention comprise administering an IL- 18 inhibitor, an IL-18Ra inhibitor, and IFN? inhibitor, a PKR inhibitor, and any combination thereof to an individual experiencing inflammation, alveolar remodeling, or cell death in lung. The present invention further encompasses a method of alleviating exacerbations of COPD frequently caused by viral infection by administering inflammation, alveolar remodeling, or cell death in lung to a patient with COPD at risk of developing a viral infection or who has acquired a viral infection.