METHODS OF DETECTING FIBROCYTE DIFFERENTIATION, COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR SUPPRESSING FIBROSIS

摘要

The present invention relates to the ability of SAP to suppress the differentiation of monocytes into fibrocytes. It also relates to the ability of IL-12, laminin-1, cross-linked IgG and IgG aggregates to suppress the differentiation of monocytes into fibrocytes. Methods and compositions for suppressing differentiation of monocytes into fibrocytes using these proteins are provided. These methods are useful in a variety of applications including treatment and prevention of fibrosing diseases such as scleroderma and asthma. Finally, the invention includes assays for detecting the ability of various agents to modulate monocyte differentiation into fibrocytes and to detect monocyte defects. Such assays may also be used to diagnose scleroderma or other fibrosing diseases.