摘要:
The invention concerns genes and fusion of genes that code for scorpion toxins and the corresponding polypeptides. The invention also concerns the use of the polypeptides as immunogens for the generation of antibodies that can recognize and neutralize components of scorpion venom as well as for vaccines to prevent envenomation from stings of scorpions of the genus Centruroides, and to immunogenic matrices for the purification of specific immunoglobulins.
摘要:
Potassium channels Kv1.3 are known to be implicated in immunological diseases and graft rejections. Disclosed are peptides capable of blocking with high affinity and specificity potassium channels Kv1.3, their pharmaceutical compositions, and methods for their use to block Kv1.3 potassium channels, to treat various immunological conditions and to diagnostic applications. Methods for their chemical synthesis and correct folding are also disclosed. Exemplary peptides correspond to protein components (Vm23 and Vm24) isolated from the venom of the Mexican scorpion Vaejovis mexicanus smithi. Vm23 and Vm24 bind to hKv1.3 channels in an almost irreversible manner, showing a Kd value in the order of 3 picomolar range, when applied to human lymphocytes cultures in vitro. Vm24 was chemically synthesized and used in in vivo experiments to successfully treat sensitized rats (on the DTH-response). Neither Vm24 nor synthetic Vm24 is toxic to mice when injected at relatively high concentrations (assayed up to 10,000 micrograms per kilogram mouse body weight). These peptides (Vm24 and Vm23) and their functional equivalent analogs with at least 83% of sequence identity are lead compounds, candidates for the treatment of various immunological conditions and diagnostic applications.
摘要:
Potassium channels Kv1.3 are known to be implicated in immunological diseases and graft rejections. Disclosed are peptides capable of blocking with high affinity and specificity potassium channels Kv1.3, their pharmaceutical compositions, and methods for their use to block Kv1.3 potassium channels, to treat various immunological conditions and to diagnostic applications. Methods for their chemical synthesis and correct folding are also disclosed. Exemplary peptides correspond to protein components (Vm23 and Vm24) isolated from the venom of the Mexican scorpion Vaejovis mexicanus smithi. Vm23 and Vm24 bind to hKv1.3 channels in an almost irreversible manner, showing a Kd value in the order of 3 picomolar range, when applied to human lymphocytes cultures in vitro. Vm24 was chemically synthesized and used in in vivo experiments to successfully treat sensitized rats (on the DTH-response). Neither Vm24 nor synthetic Vm24 is toxic to mice when injected at relatively high concentrations (assayed up to 10,000 micrograms per kilogram mouse body weight). These peptides (Vm24 and Vm23) and their functional equivalent analogs with at least 83% of sequence identity are lead compounds, candidates for the treatment of various immunological conditions and diagnostic applications.
摘要:
The invention concerns genes and fusion of genes that code for scorpion toxins and the corresponding polypeptides. The invention also concerns the use of the polypeptides as immunogens for the generation of antibodies that can recognize and neutralize components of scorpion venom as well as for vaccines to prevent envenomation from stings of scorpions of the genus Centruroides, and to immunogenic matrices for the purification of specific immunoglobulins.