Activators of cxcr3 for the treatment of angiopathies of the eye

Abstract

The present disclosure describes methods of treating angiogenic disorders of the eye, such as macular degeneration, restenosis following glaucoma treatment or diabetic retinopathy, by administering an activator of C-X-C chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3). In some embodiments, the activator of CXCR3 is interferon-γ-inducible 10 kDa protein (IP-10) or a fragment or variant thereof, such as a fragment comprising or consisting of the C-terminal α-helix of IP-10. In other embodiments, the activator of CXCR3 is platelet factor 4 (PF4) or a fragment or variant thereof.

1 - 43 . (canceled) 
     
     
         44 . A biologically active interferon-γ-inducible 10 kDa protein (IP-10) peptide fragment comprising SEQ ID NO: 6. 
     
     
         45 . The biologically active IP-10 peptide fragment of  claim 44 , wherein the peptide is no more than 40 amino acids in length. 
     
     
         46 . The biologically active IP-10 peptide fragment of  claim 44 , wherein the peptide is conjugated to polyethylene glycol (PEG) or dextran. 
     
     
         47 . The biologically active IP-10 peptide fragment of  claim 44 , further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier acceptable for administration to the eye. 
     
     
         48 . A biologically active interferon-γ-inducible 10 kDa protein (IP-10) peptide fragment consisting of SEQ ID NO: 6. 
     
     
         49 . The biologically active IP-10 peptide fragment of  claim 48 , wherein the peptide is conjugated to polyethylene glycol (PEG) or dextran. 
     
     
         50 . The biologically active IP-10 peptide fragment of  claim 48 , further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier acceptable for administration to the eye. 
     
     
         51 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a biologically active interferon-γ-inducible 10 kDa protein (IP-10) peptide fragment comprising SEQ ID NO: 6. 
     
     
         52 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 51 , wherein the biologically active IP-10 peptide fragment is no more than 40 amino acids in length. 
     
     
         53 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 51 , wherein the peptide is conjugated to polyethylene glycol (PEG) or dextran. 
     
     
         54 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 51 , further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier acceptable for administration to the eye. 
     
     
         55 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 51 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is configured to be administered topically in a cream or eye drop. 
     
     
         56 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 51 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is configured for injection into the vitreous humor or the aqueous humor. 
     
     
         57 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 51 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is configured to be impregnated in the medical implant, is coated on the surface of the medical implant, or a combination thereof.