Parasite-derived anti-inflammatory immunomodulatory protein

Abstract

A protein with anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory functions was identified and isolated from the excretory/secretions of a human parasite, Schistosoma mansoni . This protein, designated herein as Sm 16.8, is released by schistosomes upon entry into human skin. Under in vitro conditions Sm 16.8 is shown to stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) in human keratinocytes and transcriptionally down regulate the production of pro-inflamnmatory cytokines IL-1 and IL-1.

1 - 7 . (Canceled)  
     
     
         8 . A method for treating an inflammatory cutaneous diseases, the method comprising administering to a subject a therapeutically effective dose of an isolated Sm16.8 polypeptide comprising a molecular weight of about 16.8 kilodaltons and a pI of 5.9, thereby treating an inflammatory cutaneous disease.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein said inflammatory cutaneous disease is selected from the group consisting of urticaria, atopic dermatitis, contact sensitivity, and psoriasis.  
     
     
         10 - 11 . (Canceled)  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the polypeptide is administered by a route selected from the group consisting of intravenous administration, intramuscular administration, subcutaneous administration, oral administration and topical administration.  
     
     
         13 . A method for modulating the expression of an interleukin selected from the group consisting of interleukin-1α, interleukin-1β and interleukin-1ra, the method comprising administering to a subject an effective dose of an isolated Sm16.8 polypeptide comprising a molecular weight of about 16.8 kilodaltons and a pI of 5.9.  
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 13  wherein the interleukin is selected from the group consisting of interleukin-1α and interleukin-1β, further wherein the interleukin expression is inhibited.  
     
     
         15 . A method for inhibiting the expression of ICAM-1 in a cell, the method comprising administering to a subject a therapeutically effective dose of an isolated Sm16.8 polypeptide comprising a molecular weight of about 16.8 kilodaltons and a pI of 5.9.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the cell is selected from the group consisting of an endothelial cell, a keratinocyte, a dermal cell, and an epidermal cell.  
     
     
         17 . A method for inhibiting infiltration of a cell to a site of inflammation, wherein the cell is selected from the group consisting of a lymphocyte and a neutrophil.  
     
     
         18 . A method for modulating an immune response, the method comprising administering to a subject an effective dose of an isolated Sm16.8 polypeptide comprising a molecular weight of about 16.8 kilodaltons and a pI of 5.9.