METHODS FOR TREATING CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH LECTIN-DEPENDENT COMPLEMENT ACTIVATION

摘要

In one aspect, the invention provides methods of inhibiting the effects of lectin-dependent complement activation in a living subject. The methods comprise the step of administering, to a subject in need thereof, an amount of a MAp19 inhibitory agent effective to inhibit lectin-dependent complement activation. In some embodiments, the MAp19 inhibitory agent inhibits cellular injury associated with lectin-mediated complement pathway activation, while leaving the classical (Clq-dependent) pathway component of the immune system intact. In another aspect, the invention provides MAp19 specific antibodies that do not bind to MASP-2 and methods of producing MAp19 specific antibodies. In another aspect, the invention provides compositions for inhibiting the effects of lectin-dependent complement activation, comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a MAp19 inhibitory agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.