Methods and compositions to promoting retinal regeneration using prox1 migration inhibitor as active ingredient
Inventors
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Assignees
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology KAIST
Member
Glycos Biomedical LtdWe are UK/US entity with a team based in Maryland and North Carolina comprising an expert team that has linked triggers to disease states including TBI and acute injuries associated with radiation, acute lung injury and infection.
We are UK/US entity with a team based in Maryland and North Carolina comprising an expert team that has linked triggers to disease states including TBI and acute injuries associated with radiation, acute lung injury and infection.
Publication Number
US-12624357-B2
Publication Date
2026-05-12
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention relates to a technique capable of treating a retinal neurodegenerative disease through regeneration of a retinal nerve by targeting Prox1 in the mammalian retina using an inhibitor which inhibits Prox1 expression or migration. According to the present invention, inducing the regeneration of the damaged retina in mammals, and thus can be commonly applied to the treatment of various retinal neurodegenerative diseases causing vision loss, and furthermore, when combining with a selective retinal nerve differentiation method or the like, it is expected that the method can be used for the development of an innovative retinal regeneration method capable of selectively regenerating only specific degenerating retinal neurons.
Core Innovation
The described approach addresses retinal neurodegenerative disease by targeting prospero homeobox 1 (Prox1). The core concept is preventing or treating a retinal neurodegenerative disease by administering an effective amount of a neutralizing antibody that specifically binds to and inhibits Prox1.
In the described embodiments, Prox1 is inhibited to suppress Prox1 protein migration from retinal neurons to Müller glia and/or to reduce Prox1-related effects in Müller glia. The disclosure further associates Prox1 inhibition in Müller glia with Müller glia division and suppression of microglia activities that include proliferation, phagocytosis, and inflammatory responses.
The disclosure also describes that reducing Prox1 in adjacent bipolar cells can decrease Prox1 in Müller glia and induce Müller glia division, supporting retinal regeneration by promoting a regenerative response.
Claims Coverage
The claim set provides one independent claim directed to prevention or treatment using a Prox1-neutralizing antibody, with dependent claims refining mechanistic effects, disease selection, combination therapy, and intraocular administration.
Prox1 neutralizing antibody for retinal neurodegenerative disease prevention or treatment
Administering an effective amount of a neutralizing antibody which specifically binds to and inhibits prospero homeobox 1 (Prox1) to an individual in need thereof to prevent or treat a retinal neurodegenerative disease.
Suppression of Prox1 protein migration to Müller glia
Using the neutralizing antibody to suppress migration of a Prox1 protein from retinal neurons to Müller glia.
Target disease limited to listed retinal conditions
Preventing or treating a retinal neurodegenerative disease chosen from retinitis pigmentosa, Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), retinal detachment, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, central serous retinopathy, or senile retinal degeneration.
Microglia proliferation reduction and suppression of phagocytosis/inflammatory responses
Using a Prox1-specific neutralizing antibody to suppress microglia proliferation, thereby promoting regeneration of retinal neurons by reducing phagocytosis and inflammatory responses.
Combination with a neuronal differentiation-promoting drug
Administering the Prox1-specific neutralizing antibody together with a neuronal differentiation-promoting drug.
Intraocular administration
Administering the neutralizing antibody by intraocular administration.
Overall, the claims center on a Prox1-neutralizing antibody as a prevention/treatment agent for retinal neurodegenerative disease, with refinements specifying effects on Prox1 migration to Müller glia, microglia-associated phagocytosis and inflammation, listed retinal diseases, combination with a neuronal differentiation-promoting drug, and intraocular administration.
Stated Advantages
Prevents or treats retinal neurodegenerative disease by inhibiting Prox1.
Induces Müller glia division as part of retinal regeneration.
Suppresses microglia proliferation, thereby reducing phagocytosis and inflammatory responses.
Promotes regeneration of retinal neurons by reducing microglia-mediated phagocytosis and inflammatory responses.
Documented Applications
Preventing or treating retinal neurodegenerative diseases including retinitis pigmentosa, Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), retinal detachment, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, central serous retinopathy, and senile retinal degeneration.
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