Semaphorin 3a for treatment and prognosis of systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

The subject matter relates to Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) and its use in treatment and prognosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Provided are, inter-alia, methods of treating a subject afflicted with SLE, comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising isolated Sema3A. Further provided are methods for prognosis of SLE, comprising measuring Sema3A serum concentration in a subject in need thereof.

1 . A method for determining efficacy of a treatment for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising:
 making a first measurement of serum Semaphorin 3A concentration in a subject in need thereof prior to administration of a treatment for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus to the subject; making a second measurement of serum Semaphorin 3A concentration in the subject following said treatment; and comparing said first measurement and said second measurement, wherein an increase in serum Semaphorin 3A concentration from the first to the second measurement is indicative of said treatment being efficacious.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said efficacy is further indicated by at least one clinical outcome selected from the group consisting of: an improvement in renal function, a decrease in anti-dsDNA antibody concentration in the serum, a decrease in anti-Cardiolipin antibody concentration in the serum, an increase in serum concentration of complement factor C3 and an increase in serum concentration of complement factor C4. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said efficacy is further indicated by a decrease in the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) value of said subject. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said treatment for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is selected from the group consisting of: a corticosteroid, a cytotoxic drug, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, an anti-malarial drug, a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug, an immunosuppressive drug, an analgesic, intravenous immunoglobulins and a combination thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said increase in serum Semaphorin 3A concentration is an increase of at least 10%. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said Semaphorin 3A has a sequence as set forth by SEQ ID NO: 1. 
     
     
         7 . A method for prognosis of change in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus disease activity in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising:
 making a first measurement of serum Semaphorin 3A concentration in a subject in need thereof; making a second measurement of serum Semaphorin 3A concentration in the subject at a later time point than said first measurement; and comparing said first measurement and said second measurement; wherein an increase in serum Semaphorin 3A concentration from the first to the second measurement is indicative of a decrease in disease activity; and wherein a decrease in serum Semaphorin 3A concentration from the first to the second measurement is indicative of an increase in disease activity.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said Semaphorin 3A has a sequence as set forth by SEQ ID NO: 1. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said decrease in disease activity is characterized by at least one clinical effect selected from the group consisting of: an improvement in renal function, a decrease in anti-dsDNA antibody concentration in the serum, a decrease in anti-Cardiolipin antibody concentration in the serum, an increase in serum concentration of complement factor C3 and an increase in serum concentration of complement factor C4. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said increase in disease activity is characterized by at least one clinical effect selected from the group consisting of: deterioration in renal function, an increase in anti-dsDNA antibody concentration in the serum, an increase in anti-Cardiolipin antibody concentration in the serum, a decrease in serum concentration of complement factor C3 and a decrease in serum concentration of complement factor C4. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said decrease in disease activity is evidenced by a decrease in the value of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index of said subject. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said increase in disease activity is evidenced by an increase in the value of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index of said subject. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein a measurement of up to 50 ng/ml is indicative of Lupus Nephritis.