Nucleic acid ligands to integrins

Abstract

Methods are described for the isolation of nucleic acid ligands to integrins using the SELEX process. SELEX is an acronym for Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment. The nucleic acid ligands of the present invention are useful as therapeutic and diagnostic agents.

1 . A method for the treatment of a disease resulting from platelet activation, the method comprising administering a biologically-effective amount of a nucleic acid ligand to a β 3  integrin.  
     
     
         2 . A method for treating deep vein thrombosis comprising administering a biologically-effective amount of a nucleic acid ligand to a β 3  integrin.  
     
     
         3 . A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis comprising a nucleic acid ligand to a β 3  integrin and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.  
     
     
         4 . A method for the treatment of a disease in which α v β 3  activation is a contributing pathogenic factor, the method comprising administering a biologically-effective dose of a nucleic acid ligand to α v β 3  and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.  
     
     
         5 . The method of claim  6  wherein said disease is selected from the group consisting of cancer, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, macular degeneration, endometriosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, osteoporosis, and restenosis.