FSTL-1: a Novel Target for Inflammation

Inflammation from chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis is commonly treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. These drugs are associated with undesirable side effects, including gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and kidney damage. Recently, even the newer selective COX-2 inhibitors have been associated with an increase in cardiovascular side effects including heart attacks. Studies focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying inflammation have led to the development of TNF-inhibitors, although these do not have a total success rate in all rheumatoid arthritic patients. Other pathways and targets are being evaluated for the development of novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic preparations.

FSTL-1 is overexpressed in fibroblast-like synoviocytes in early collagen-induced arthritis. Mouse knee joints were harvested from mice prior to immunization (day 0), during acute arthritis (day 28), or during late arthritis (day 49). Tissues were sectioned and stained for FSTL-1. 

Description

Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL-1) plays a previously unrecognized role in inflammation. This invention relates to FSTL-1 function as a novel proinflammatory molecule. Researchers have found that inhibiting FSTL-1 expression can lead to the inhibition of an inflammatory reaction. Agents targeting FSTL-1 will constitute a promising new product class for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. This potential inhibitor can be a small molecule, an antibody, or an antibody fragment that blocks the biological activity of FSTL-1.

Applications

· Treatment of inflammation-related conditions like arthritis, asthma, septic shock, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases

Advantages

· First recognition of the role of FSTL-1 in immunity
· Novel target for inflammation

Invention Readiness

Animal data with polyclonal antibody, monoclonal antibody in development

IP Status

https://patents.google.com/patent/US7972599B2; https://patents.google.com/patent/US8334274B2

Related Publication(s)

Miyamae, T., Marinov, A. D., Sowders, D., Wilson, D. C., Devlin, J., Boudreau, R., Robbins, P., & Hirsch, R. (2006). Follistatin-Like Protein-1 Is a Novel Proinflammatory Molecule. The Journal of Immunology, 177(7), 4758–4762. https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.177.7.4758