Identification of a Specific Ligand for Siglec-8

C04430: Novel Carbohydrate Based Therapeutic for Allergic, Asthmatic, and Other Inflammatory Disorders

Novelty:

A Sialic acid immunoglobulin-like lectin-8 (Siglec-8) carbohydrate based ligand has been identified which provides a platform for development of effective therapies for inflammation caused by eosinophil, basophil and mast cell over activity.

Value Proposition:

Eosinophils, basophils and mast cells contribute to the damaging inflammation found in allergic, asthmatic, and other inflammatory disorders. Targeting these specific cells to reduce overall number, or reducing activity of the cells can produce a therapeutic effect for a multitude of inflammation disorders. The technology described allows for the development of agonists whose actions specially target eosinophils, basophils and mast cells. Other advantages include:

Technical Details:

Johns Hopkins researchers have discovered a unique, carbohydrate-based chemical structure that binds to Siglec-8, formerly called sialoadhesin factor-2 (SAF2). This target is a cell surface receptor on human eosinophils, basophils and mast cells that regulates both cell function and survival. The technology is a platform to develop agonists that will reduce the numbers and/or activation level of these allergic inflammatory cells, alleviating the associated symptoms. Eosinophils, basophils and mast cells contribute to the damaging inflammation found in allergic, asthmatic, and other inflammatory disorders, in which accumulation and activation of these cells has been found.

Looking for Partners:

To develop and commercialize the technology as a therapeutic agent for allergic, asthmatic and other inflammatory disorders.

Stage of Development:

Pre-clinical

Data Availability:

Under CDA / NDA

Publications/Associated Cases:

J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010 Jul;126(1):16-25. Clin Exp Allergy. 2009 March; 39(3): 317–324. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2009 Aug;330(2):608-12. J Biol Chem. 2005 Feb 11;280(6):4307-12.