Use of CD24 Proteins for Treating Leptin-Deficient Conditions

Abstract

This invention relates to the use of a CD24 protein for treating leptin-deficient conditions, such as lipodystrophy, by increasing the level of circulating leptin.

1 . A method for increasing circulating leptin levels in the bloodstream of a subject, comprising administering a CD24 protein to a subject in need thereof. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject has reduced leptin. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the subject has lipodystrophy. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the subject has HIV. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the subject has received anti-viral therapy. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the CD24 protein comprises the sequence of mature human CD24 or a variant thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the mature human CD24 comprises a sequence selected from the group consisting of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 and 2. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the CD24 protein comprises an extracellular domain of human CD24. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the CD24 protein further comprises a protein tag, wherein the protein tag is fused at the N-terminus or C-terminus of the CD24 protein. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the protein tag comprises a portion of a mammalian immunoglobulin (Ig). 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the Ig portion is the Fc portion of a human immunoglobulin. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the Fc portion comprises the hinge region and CH2 and CH3 domains of the human Ig protein, and wherein the Ig is selected from the group consisting of IgG1, IgG1, IgG3, IgG4, and IgA. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the Fc portion comprises the hinge region and CH3 and CH4 domains of IgM. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the CD24 protein comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6. 
     
     
         15 .- 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the CD24 protein is soluble and/or glycosylated. 
     
     
         20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method for treating or preventing lipodystrophy syndrome in a subject, comprising administering a CD24 protein to a subject in need thereof. 
     
     
         22 .- 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . A method for increasing circulating leptin levels in the bloodstream of a subject, comprising administering a CD24 protein of SEQ ID NO: 6 to a subject in need thereof. 
     
     
         25 . A method for treating or preventing lipodystrophy syndrome in a subject, comprising administering a CD24 protein of SEQ ID NO: 6 to a subject in need thereof. 
     
     
         26 .- 27 . (canceled)