Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods of modulating inflammatory and immune responses through binding of SAA to TLR2 in a subject (e.g., human, non-human primate, rodent, etc.), and compositions and methods for screening TLR2 agonists and antagonists. In the studies described herein, a potential role of SAA in neutrophilia was investigated and the results demonstrated that SAA is a potent inducer for macrophage secretion of G-CSF, which leads to neutrophilia in mice. Using G-CSF−/− and TLR2−/− mice, it was found that the SAA-induced neutrophilia is dependent on TLR2-mediated production of G-CSF. Based on direct binding assay and gain-of-function studies in TLR2-transfected cells, SAA was identified as a novel ligand for TLR2 and a link between increased SAA concentration and TLR2-mediated inflammatory responses such as neutrophilia was established. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
Abstract:
The invention features a G protein-coupled receptor that has an enlarged extracellular loop between the fourth and fifth transmembrane domains. A nucleic acid encoding the receptor was isolated from a human granulocytic cell library and antibodies generated against the polypeptide revealed expression in a variety of tissues including heart, placenta, and lung. This antibody, or others that specifically bind the G protein-coupled receptor of the invention, can be used in the diagnosis of diseases or conditions that are associated with upregulation of the receptor, as occurs, for example, when hematopoietic cells differentiate. These diseases include inflammatory and neurological diseases, particularly Alzheimer's Disease. The nucleic acids, polypeptides, and antibodies described herein can also be used as therapeutic agents to treat these diseases by inhibiting the expression or activity of the receptor. They can also be used in the treatment of obesity.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods of modulating inflammatory and immune responses through binding of SAA to TLR2 in a subject (e.g., human, non-human primate, rodent, etc.), and compositions and methods for screening TLR2 agonists and antagonists. In the studies described herein, a potential role of SAA in neutrophilia was investigated and the results demonstrated that SAA is a potent inducer for macrophage secretion of G-CSF, which leads to neutrophilia in mice. Using G-CSF−/− and TLR2−/− mice, it was found that the SAA-induced neutrophilia is dependent on TLR2-mediated production of G-CSF. Based on direct binding assay and gain-of-function studies in TLR2-transfected cells, SAA was identified as a novel ligand for TLR2 and a link between increased SAA concentration and TLR2-mediated inflammatory responses such as neutrophilia was established. Additional embodiments are disclosed.