Methods for Using Modulators of Extracellular Adenosine or an Adenosine Receptor to Enhance Immune Response and Inflammation
Description of Invention:
Local inflammation processes are crucially important in the host defense against pathogens and for successful immunization because pro-inflammatory cytokines are necessary for initiation and propagation of an immune response. However, normal inflammatory responses are eventually terminated by physiological termination mechanisms, thereby limiting the strength and duration of immune responses, especially to weak antigens. The inventors have shown that adenosine receptors play a critical and non-redundant role in down-regulation of inflammation in vivo by acting as the physiological termination mechanism that can limit the immune response. The adenosine A2a and A3a receptors have been identified as playing a critical role in down-regulation of the immune response during inflammation.
This invention claims methods for inhibiting signaling through the adenosine receptor to prolong and intensify the immune response. The method involves administering either an adenosine-degrading drug or an adenosine receptor agonist. Also claimed in the invention is use of adenosine receptor agonists or adenosine-degrading drugs as vaccine adjuvants and methods for accomplishing targeted tissue damage such as for tumor destruction.
Inventors:
Michail V. Sitkovsky and Akio Ohta (NIAID)
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-051-02/1 filed 19 Dec 2001
Relevant Publication:
This invention is further described in Ohta A et al., "Role of G-protein-coupled adenosine receptors in downregulation of inflammation and protection from tissue damage," Nature 2001 Dec 20-27;414(6866):916-20.
Portfolios: Internal Medicine Infectious Diseases Cancer
Cancer -Therapeutics-Biological Response Modifiers Cancer -Therapeutics-Immunomodulators and Immunostimulants Infectious Diseases -Vaccines-Adjuvants/Vectors/Modulators Internal Medicine-Diagnostics-Anti-Inflammatory (including Autoimmune) Cancer -Therapeutics Infectious Diseases -Vaccines Internal Medicine-Diagnostics
For Additional Information Please Contact: Cristina Thalhammer-Reyero PhD MBA
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301) 435-4507
Email: thalhamc@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
