Abstract:
Novel compounds and methods for the inhibition of biological barrier permeability and for the inhibition of peptide translocation across biological barriers are identified. Assays for determining modulators of biological barrier permeability and for peptide translocation across biological barriers are provided. Methods for treating diseases relating to aberrant biological barrier permeability and peptide translocation across biological barriers are provided. Such diseases include celiac disease, necrotizing enterocolitis, diabetes, cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, asthma, COPD, excessive or undesirable immune response, gluten sensitivity, gluten allergy, food allergy, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, immune-mediated or type 1 diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, scleroderma and autoimmune thyroid diseases.
Abstract:
The present invention provides novel peptides that facilitate the opening of mammalian tight junctions, i.e. tight junction agonists. The present invention also provides methods for the treatment of disease by administering to a subject suffering from the disease a composition comprising a peptide tight junction agonist of the invention in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of an active agent.
Abstract:
The present invention provides materials and methods for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis). Materials of the invention may include compositions comprising one or more tight junction antagonists and optionally one or more therapeutic agents. Methods of the invention may comprise treating a subject in need thereof with a composition comprising one or more tight junction antagonists and, optionally one or more therapeutic agents.
Abstract:
The present invention provides.novel peptides that inhibit and/or reduce the opening of mammalian tight junctions, i.e. tight junction antagonists. The present invention also provides methods for the treatment of excessive or undesirable permeability of a tissue by administering to a subject suffering from such a condition a composition comprising a peptide tight junction antagonist of the invention.
Abstract:
The present invention provides materials and methods to suppress an excessive or undesired immune response. In some embodiments, agonists of biological pathways responsible for opening and closing tight junctions (e.g., tight junction agonists) are used in compositions with antigens to suppress an immune response to the antigen.
Abstract:
Enteric compositions comprising one or more tight junction agonists and/or one or more tight junction antagonists are provided. Compositions of the invention may comprise a delayed-release coating disposed over a tight junction agonist and/or tight junction antagonist layer which may be disposed over an inert core. Delayed-release coatings may be substantially stable in gastric fluid and substantially unstable in intestinal fluid, thus providing for substantial release of the tight junction agonist and/or antagonist from the composition in the duodenum or jejunum of the small intestine.
Abstract:
The present invention provides compositions and methods for the administration of the compositions to mammals. The compositions comprise therapeutic agents and an intestinal absorption enhancing amount of one or more tight junction agonists. Tight junction agonists include zonulin and/or ZOT receptor agonists. Methods of the invention include orally administering compositions of the invention.
Abstract:
The present invention provides materials and methods to facilitate the pulmonary delivery of therapeutic agents. In some embodiments, agonists of tight junctions (e.g., zonulin agonists) are used in compositions to facilitate the uptake of therapeutic agents from the pulmonary mucosa.
Abstract:
The present invention provides materials and methods for the treatment of diabetes. Using the materials and methods of the invention, the loss of pancreatic ß-cells can be slowed and/or prevented. In addition!, the materials and methods of the invention can be used to regenerate pancreatic ß-cells.
Abstract:
Novel inhibitors of TNFa secretion are identified. Assays for determining modulators of TNFa secretion are provided. Methods for treating diseases relating to aberrant TNFa secretion are provided. Such diseases include celiac disease, diabetes, cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, excessive or undesirable immune response, gluten sensitivity, gluten allergy, food allergy, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, immune-mediated or type 1 diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, scleroderma and autoimmune thyroid diseases.