Basf Aktiengesellschaft

Basf Aktiengellschaft

Other

Tariq Ghayur

Robert V Talanian

John A Mankovich

Catherine R Ferenz

John C Hodges

Subhashis Banerjee

Daniel Edward Tracey

Nigel P Walker

Robert Vincent Talanian

Les Sekut

Adam Carter

Leonard L Dang

Lorraine M McGuinness

Modified forms of human interleukin-1&bgr; converting enzyme (ICE) that display proteolytic activity and, furthermore, have increased stability compared to unmodified human ICE are disclosed. Nucleic acid molecules encoding a modified p10 subunit of ICE, and recombinant vectors and host cells incorporating such nucleic acid molecules, are also disclosed. A modified ICE protein of the invention can be used to cleave proteolytically ICE substrates and to identify modulators of ICE activity in screening assays. Moreover, due to its enhanced stability, the modified ICE of the invention is particularly suitable for use in the preparation of ICE crystals for X-ray crystallography.

Modified interleukin-1&bgr; converting enzyme with increased stability

Substrates and inhibitors for the cysteine protease Ich-1 are disclosed. These compounds are designed based on an optimal minimal substrate for Ich-1 and include reversible inhibitors, irreversible inhibitors, selectively reversible inhibitors, chromogenic substrates, fluorogenic substrates and radiolabeled substrates/inhibitors. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention are also provided. Methods for inhibiting the proteolytic activity of Ich-1, methods for detecting the presence of Ich-1 and methods for isolating Ich-1 using the compounds of the invention are also disclosed.

Substrates and inhibitors for cysteine protease ICH-1

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to non-naturally occurring cells and methods for screening compositions and genes which interact with interleukin 1 beta and interleukin-1 beta converting enzyme (ICE) processing, methods and non-naturally occurring cells for making ICE, and agonists and inhibitors of ICE.

Methods and cell lines for screening compositions and genes for ability to interact with IL-1&bgr; and ice processing

Method for modulating responsiveness to corticosteroids in a subject are provided. In the method of the invention, an agent which antagonizes a factor that regulates production of IFN-.gamma. in the subject is administered to the subject in combination with a corticosteroid such that responsiveness of the subject to the corticosteroid is modulated as compared to when a corticosteroid alone is administered to the subject. In one embodiment, the agent is an interferon-.gamma. inducing factor (IGIF) antagonist. In another embodiment, the agent is an interleukin-12 (IL-12) antagonist. In a preferred embodiment, the agent is an inhibitor of a caspase family protease, preferably an ICE inhibitor. In another preferred embodiment, the agent is an anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibody. Other preferred agents include phosphodiesterase IV inhibitors and beta-2 agonists. The methods of the invention can be used in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory and immunological diseases and disorders. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising an agent which antagonizes a factor that regulates production of IFN-.gamma. in a subject, a corticosteroid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are also provided. A preferred composition comprises an ICE inhibitor, a corticosteroid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Methods and compositions for modulating responsiveness to corticosteroids

Modified forms of human interleukin-1.beta. converting enzyme (ICE) that display proteolytic activity and, furthermore, have increased stability compared to unmodified human ICE are disclosed. Nucleic acid molecules encoding a modified p10 subunit of ICE, and recombinant vectors and host cells incorporating such nucleic acid molecules, are also disclosed. A modified ICE protein of the invention can be used to cleave proteolytically ICE substrates and to identify modulators of ICE activity in screening assays. Moreover, due to its enhanced stability, the modified ICE of the invention is particularly suitable for use in the preparation of ICE crystals for X-ray crystallography.

Modified interleukin-1.beta. converting enzyme with increased stability

The present invention is directed to ICE and ICE-like compositions formed by combining two subunits of ICE and folding such subunits to form an active enzyme.

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Grafton, MA, United States of America

Tariq Ghayur