Rage g82s-related methods and compositions for treating inflammatory disorders

Abstract

This invention provides methods, compositions and articles of manufacture for inhibiting the onset of and treating inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. The instant invention is based on the blockade of RAGE G82S function.

1 - 32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 . Soluble RAGE G82S or a ligand-binding portion thereof. 
     
     
         34 . A composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and (i) soluble RAGE G82S, (ii) a ligand-binding portion soluble RAGE G82S, and/or (iii) a nucleic acid which specifically inhibits the expression of RAGE G82S in a cell expressing same. 
     
     
         35 . An article of manufacture comprising a packaging material having therein (i) an agent that inhibits binding between RAGE G82S and a ligand thereof, and/or (ii) a nucleic acid which specifically inhibits the expression of RAGE G82S in a cell expressing same, wherein the packaging material has affixed thereto a label indicating a use for the agent and/or nucleic acid for treating an inflammatory disorder in a subject. 
     
     
         36 . The article of  claim 35 , wherein the subject is a human. 
     
     
         37 . The article of  claim 35 , wherein the inflammatory disorder is rheumatoid arthritis and the agent comprises (i) soluble RAGE G82S, (ii) a ligand-binding portion of soluble RAGE G82S, or (iii) an antibody directed to RAGE G82S. 
     
     
         38 . The article of  claim 37 , wherein the agent comprises soluble RAGE G82S. 
     
     
         39 . The article of  claim 37 , wherein the agent comprises a ligand-binding portion of soluble RAGE G82S. 
     
     
         40 . The article of  claim 37 , wherein the agent comprises an antibody directed to soluble RAGE G82S.