Modified myelin basic protein molecules

US7041503B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• The United States of America, as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services · US
• Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Steven H. Nye · New York, US
• Michael J. Lenardo · Potomac, US
• Henry F. McFarland · Gaithersburg, US
• Louis A. Matis · Southport, US
• Eileen Elliott Mueller · Old Lyme, US
• John Mueller · Waltham, US
• Clara M. Pelfrey · Gaithersburg, US
• Stephen P. Squinto · Dobbs Ferry, US
• James Wilkins · Woodbridge, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 2, 1995
• Grant date: May 9, 2006
• Expiry date: Nov 17, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S435/975
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Compositions and methods are provided for the clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of multiple sclerosis. The compositions of the invention are molecules related to the 21.5 kDa fetal isoform of human myelin basic protein, and include nucleic acids and polypeptides. The nucleic acid molecules of the invention are useful in the efficient production of modified and unmodified 21.5 kDa myelin basic protein polypeptides, such polypeptides being useful for assaying T cells for responsiveness to myelin basic protein epitopes. The polypeptides of the invention are also useful as therapeutic agents that act by inducing T cell responses, including apoptosis, as a means of treating multiple sclerosis.