Heat shock protein inducing factor and method for its in-situ generation from an inactive form

摘要

The present invention provides an active heat shock protein inducing factor which is capable of inducing expression of heat shock proteins such as Hsp70 and Hsp27 on-demand in living mammalian cells. The induction and intracellular expression of such heat shock proteins provides major protection for the cells against injurious stresses and can be used therapeutically for treatment of conditions and disorders caused by cell death via apoptosis or necrosis. The heat shock protein-inducing factor is a naturally occurring molecule to be found in the blood serum of living mammals in two different states and activity forms: an inactive form which circulates freely and systemically as a component of the blood serum; and an active molecule which is generated by conversion from the inactive form via modification in-situ. Such a conversion occurs physiologically as a result of stresses or may be effected in-situ ondemand. The invention includes the means and method for converting the inactive form into the active heat shock protein inducing factor state on-demand under both in-vivo and in-vitro circumstances.