Engineered cxcl12 alpha locked dimer polypeptide

Abstract

The present invention provides a novel CXCL12-α 2 locked dimer polypeptide, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of using said dimer in the treatment of cancer, inflammatory disorders, autoimmune disease, and HIV/AIDS.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A CXCL12-α 2  locked dimer polypeptide, wherein the dimer comprises two monomers locked together. 
     
     
         2 . The dimer of  claim 1  wherein the monomers are not identical. 
     
     
         3 . The dimer of  claim 1  wherein the monomers are identical. 
     
     
         4 . The dimer of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the monomers has the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:1. 
     
     
         5 . The dimer of  claim 1  wherein the monomers are locked together at residues L36 and A65 of SEQ ID NO: 1. 
     
     
         6 . A composition comprising the dimer of  claim 1 , and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. 
     
     
         7 . An isolated CXCL12-α 2  locked dimer polypeptide, wherein the dimer consists of two monomers locked together. 
     
     
         8 . The dimer of  claim 7  wherein at least one of the monomers has the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:1. 
     
     
         9 . A kit comprising a CXCL12-α 2  locked dimer polypeptide wherein the dimer comprises monomers having the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:1, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent, and instructional material.