| |
Novel Selectin Antagonists
for Treatment of Cancer and Inflammation
Inventors:
M. Thurin
and T. Kieber-Emmons
Tech ID:TM-98001
Description:
The attachment of circulating tumor cells
to vascular endothelial cells (EC) is
a key step in the development of tumor
metastases. Therefore, prevention of the
attachment of tumor cells to EC may be
an effective strategy for prevention of
metastases. Many tumor cells and leukocytes
contain carbohydrate adhesion antigens
on their surface that bind to selectins,
a class of adhesion molecules found on
activated EC. The selectin-mediated binding
of tumor cells to EC is an early step
in the development of metastasis while
selectin-mediated binding of leukocytes
to EC is a component of inflammation.
The role of these interactions in the
development of metastasis and inflammation
has been demonstrated in multiple animal
models.
Wistar researchers have developed a group
of novel compounds that mimic the carbohydrate
adhesion molecules that bind to selectins.
These new compounds are peptido-mimetics
of the Lewis antigens SA-Le, SA-LeX, and
LeY, that can prevent the binding of tumor
cells and inflammatory cells to EC. At
least one peptide mimetic significantly
decreased the formation of lung metastasis
in vivo. The compounds may be the basis
for novel therapeutic agents for treatment
of cancer, metastases, and inflammation.
Alternatively these peptido-mimetics may
be used in screening assays to identify
new molecules that can inhibit the selectin-mediated
binding of tumor cells and/or leukocytes
to EC.
Key Words: Selectin
antagonists, Lewis antigens, cancer, inflammation,
therapeutic, screening, anti-inflammatory
Applications and Advantages:
These selectin antagonists may be
useful therapeutic agents for treatment
of cancer and inflammation or may be used
in screening assays to identify new compounds.
Intellectual
Property Status: U.S. patent application
pending. Published PCT application number
PCT/US99/26277.
Licensing Opportunity:
This technology is available for
exclusive or non-exclusive license. Wistar
will also consider sponsored research
support to further develop the technology.
Contact:
Meryle
J. Melnicoff
Director, Business Development
The Wistar Institute
3601 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 898-0049
Fax: (215) 573-2456
melnicoff@wistar.org
Last updated: Aug-02
|
|
