Hmgb1 protein inhibitors and/or antagonists for the treatment of vascular diseases

Abstract

A method of inhibiting atherosclerosis by administering a molecule that binds a protein of the HMG box family. Also, a method of treating vascular diseases by administering an antagonist molecule to inhibit the interaction between a protein of the HMG box family and a receptor for the protein of the HMG box family.

1 . A method of inhibiting atherosclerosis in an individual, comprising administering a molecule that binds a protein of the HMG box family. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the molecule is an HMG box-binding molecule. 
     
     
         3 . A method of inhibiting restenosis in an individual, comprising administering a molecule that binds a protein of the HMG box family. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the molecule is an HMG box-binding molecule. 
     
     
         5 . A method of treating vascular diseases, comprising administering a molecule that binds a protein of the HMG box family. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the molecule is an HMG box-binding molecule. 
     
     
         7 . A method of treating vascular diseases, comprising administering an antagonist molecule to an individual in need thereof, wherein the antagonist molecule inhibits the interaction between a protein of the HMG box family and a receptor for the protein of the HMG box family. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the receptor for the protein of the HMG box family is RAGE. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the vascular disease is selected from the group consisting of: atherosclerosis and restenosis. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the vascular disease occurs after coronary angioplasty. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the vascular disease is selected from the group consisting of: atherosclerosis and restenosis. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the vascular disease occurs after coronary angioplasty. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the molecule that binds a protein of the HMG box family is released from an instrument selected from the group consisting of: a catheter, a surgical instrument, and a stent. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the molecule that inhibits the interaction between a protein of the HMG box family and a receptor far the protein of the HMG box family is released from an instrument selected from the group consisting of: a catheter, a surgical instrument, and a stent.