INHIBITORS OF ACIDIC MAMMALIAN CHITINASE AS ASTHMA THERAPEUTICS

摘要

Methods of screening for agents for treating asthma are provided. The methods involve screening for agents that decrease the production or activity of an AMCase protein that has been discovered herein to play a role in producing the symptoms and pathological complications involved in asthma. Such agents include AMCase inhibitors, as well as antagonists of IL-13 and the IL-13 receptor. Methods of treating asthma, as well as methods of monitoring the efficacy of treatment for asthma with inhibitors of an AMCase protein and IL-13 antagonists are also provided.