Antisense modulation of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase expression

Abstract

Compositions and methods for the treatment and diagnosis of diseases or conditions amenable to treatment through modulation of expression of a gene encoding a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) are provided. Methods for the treatment and diagnosis of diseases or conditions associated with aberrant expression of one or more p38 MAPKs are also provided.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for treating airway hyperresponsiveness or pulmonary inflammation in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering to said individual an antisense compound 8 to 30 nucleobases in length targeted to a nucleic acid molecule encoding a human p38α MAP kinase protein to said individual.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said antisense compound is an antisense oligonucleotide.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein at least one covalent linkage of said antisense compound is a modified covalent linkage.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein at least one nucleotide of said antisense compound has a modified sugar moiety.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein at least one nucleotide of said antisense compound has a modified nucleobase.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising administering an anti-asthma medication to said individual.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said antisense compound comprises at least one lipophilic moiety which enhances the cellular uptake of said antisense compound.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said antisense compound is aerosolized and inhaled by said individual.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said antisense compound is administered intranasally, intrapulmonarily or intratracheally.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said airway hyperresponsiveness or pulmonary inflammation is associated with asthma.  
     
     
         11 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising an antisense oligonucleotide targeted to nucleic acid encoding human p38α MAP kinase in a formulation suitable for intranasal, intrapulmonary or intratracheal administration.  
     
     
         12 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 11 , wherein said composition is in a metered dose inhaler or nebulizer.