Inhibition of th17 cells migration to inflamed tissues using antibodies directed against mcam

Abstract

Methods, uses, agents and compositions useful for the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of inflammatory conditions, such as neuroinflammatory conditions such as multiple sclerosis, and for the identification and selection of inflammatory cytokine-secreting T cell or a precursor thereof, based on the expression and/or modulation of melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM) are disclosed.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method of inhibiting the migration of a T helper 17 (T h 17) cell across a vascular endothelium exposed to an inflammatory environment, said method comprising contacting said T h 17 cell with an effective amount of a melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM) inhibitor, wherein said inhibitor is an antibody that binds to the MCAM polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:2, or an antigen-binding fragment of said antibody. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein said inflammatory environment comprises the presence or expression of IFN-γ and/or TNF-α. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein said T h 17 lymphocyte is present in a subject suffering from an autoimmune condition. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein said MCAM inhibitor is an antibody that binds to the MCAM polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:2. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein said antibody is a monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein said MCAM inhibitor is an antibody that binds to the MCAM polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:2. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein said antibody is a monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein said MCAM inhibitor is an antibody that binds to the MCAM polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:2. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein said antibody is a monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein said subject is a human. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein said subject is a human. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein said subject is a human.