Methods and compositions for reducing serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE)
Inventors
Klein, Thomas W. • Newton, Catherine • Patterson, Catherine • Agudelo, Marisela
Assignees
University of South Florida • University of South Florida St Petersburg
Publication Number
US-9289421-B2
Publication Date
2016-03-22
Expiration Date
2032-08-29
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Abstract
The present disclosure provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for reducing the serum level of immunoglobulin IgE in an animal or human subject. It has been found that reducing or inhibiting the activity of the cannabinoid receptor CB2 leads to an increase in IgE in serum levels. Conversely, activation of the CB2 receptor by an agonist results in a reduction in IgE serum levels. The compositions and methods of the disclosure, therefore, provide a means to reduce or eliminate symptoms of immune system-related conditions resulting from IgE generation, such as an allergy, hay fever, and the like.
Core Innovation
The invention provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for reducing the serum level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in an animal or human subject. It has been discovered that activation of the cannabinoid receptor CB2 by an agonist reduces IgE serum levels, while reducing or inhibiting CB2 activity leads to increased IgE in serum. Accordingly, compositions and methods comprising a CB2 agonist provide means to reduce or eliminate symptoms of immune system-related conditions resulting from IgE generation, such as allergy and hay fever.
Prior studies demonstrated that cannabinoids could modulate immune functions, but a clear mechanism was lacking, especially regarding elevated IgE levels observed among marijuana smokers. The present disclosure addresses the need for specific interventions targeting IgE generation, which is closely regulated by T helper cytokines and immune cell receptor interactions.
It is now shown through in vivo models and examples that administering a pharmaceutical composition containing a CB2 receptor agonist, such as 1-(2′,4′-Dichlorophenyl)-6-methyl-N-piperidin-1-yl-1,4-dihydroindeno[1,2-c]pyrazole-3-carboxamide (Gp1a), can suppress the formation or release of IgE antibodies in treated subjects. CB2-deficient mice exhibited elevated serum IgE, providing evidence that CB2 activation significantly suppresses IgE antibody levels.
Claims Coverage
There is 1 independent claim, which defines the core inventive feature of the invention.
Method of reducing IgE in serum using a CB2 agonist
A method is disclosed that comprises administering to an animal or human subject an effective dose of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an agonist of a CB2 cannabinoid receptor, which results in reducing the level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the serum of the recipient subject. - The method is applicable to both animal and human subjects. - The composition includes a CB2 receptor agonist as the active ingredient. - Reduction of serum IgE is achieved by pharmacological activation of the CB2 receptor. - The specification further details a range of CB2 agonists that may be used within the method, but the primary inventive concept covers the administration of any such CB2 agonist for reducing IgE.
The inventive feature claimed is the administration of a CB2 cannabinoid receptor agonist to reduce serum IgE in animals or humans. This provides a targeted pharmaceutical approach for modulating IgE levels.
Stated Advantages
Provides a means to reduce or eliminate symptoms of immune system-related conditions resulting from IgE generation, such as allergy and hay fever.
Suppression of IgE formation or secretion by activation of the CB2 receptor offers a targeted method for modulating antibody levels implicated in allergic reactions.
Documented Applications
Treatment or relief of symptoms of immune system-related conditions resulting from IgE generation, such as allergy and hay fever.
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