Method of treatment and agents useful for same

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a method for the treatment and prophylaxis of inflammatory conditions. The present invention is predicated in part on the identification of cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage being critical for inflammation and, in particular, chronic inflammation. In accordance with the present invention, it is proposed that the reduction in levels of monocyte/macrophage-type cells and/or a reduction in the production of inflammatory and pro-inflammatory mediators by these cells, especially locally, is effective in reducing inflammatory conditions. The present invention further provides animal models useful for screening for reducing levels of monocyte/macrophage-type cells and/or reducing the production of inflammatory and pro-inflammatory mediators of these cells.

1 - 28 . (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . A method for ameliorating the effects of inflammation in a subject, said method comprising administering an agent which inhibits or otherwise antagonizes the effects of a colony-stimulating factor on cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage,
 wherein the colony-stimulating factor is GM-CSF, and   wherein the agent is selected from the group consisting of a GM-CSF receptor in soluble form, an antibody to GM-CSF receptor, or an antibody to GM-CSF.   
     
     
         30 . The method according to  claim 29 , wherein the agent is internalized by cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage. 
     
     
         31 . The method according to  claim 29 , wherein the subject is human. 
     
     
         32 . The method according to  claim 29 , wherein said inflammation is rheumatoid arthritis. 
     
     
         33 . The method according to  claim 29 , wherein administering comprises intravenous, subcutaneous or local administration. 
     
     
         34 . The method according to  claim 29 , wherein the agent is an antibody that specifically binds GM-CSF receptor or an antibody that specifically binds GM-CSF. 
     
     
         35 . The method according to  claim 29 , wherein the administering is for a time and in an amount to inhibit or otherwise antagonize the effects of a colony-stimulating factor on said cells. 
     
     
         36 . The method according to  claim 34 , wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
         37 . The method according to  claim 29 , wherein a further agent is administered simultaneously with the agent which antagonizes the effects of a colony stimulating factor. 
     
     
         38 . The method according to  claim 29 , wherein a further agent is administered sequentially with the agent which antagonizes the effects of a colony stimulating factor.