Method to screen for an activator of adipose-resident NK cells
US9623083B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 30, 2012 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N33/6869
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Obesity is associated with a state of chronic low-grade inflammation and the present invention establishes that adipose-resident natural killer T (NKT) cells attenuate inflammation in adipose tissue and improves systemic glucose homeostasis in mice at different stages of obesity. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods of treating type-2 diabetes or those at risk for type-2 diabetes using activators of adipose-resident NKT cells. Such activators include particular glycolipids (e.g., a-galactosylceramide and its analogs other than sulfated analogs) and cytokines that promote M2 macrophage polarization. The invention also includes methods to screen for activators of adipose-resident NKT cells.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.