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

Abstract

A method of treating vascular diseases by administering an antagonist molecule that inhibits 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 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. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the protein of the HMG box family is selected from the group consisting of: HMGB1 and a fragment of HMGB1. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the fragment of HMGB1 comprises an HMG box and a molecule having sequence homology with HMG box. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the receptor for the protein of the HMG box family is RAGE. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the vascular disease is selected from the group consisting of: atherosclerosis, restenosis and vasculitis. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the vascular disease may occur after coronary angioplasty. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the molecule that inhibits the interaction between a protein of the HMG box family and a receptor for 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.