Sunday November 22 2009 | Biotechnology feed | All feeds
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Sunday November 22 2009 | Biotechnology feed | All feeds
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Ecalectin: a novel eosinophil-activating factor Allergies including asthma represent a common and complicated clinical challenge. In the US alone there are 50-60 million sufferers. Together seasonal allergies and asthma represent a major strain on healthcare resources accounting for 18.5 million physician visits, almost 2 million emergency room visits and $13 billion in direct costs per year in the US. Economic costs are considerably larger due to the number of working days lost to both conditions. Although more than 50 products are on the market for asthma and allergy, considerable preclinical research is currently underway with much current focus being placed on chemotactic molecules responsible for the infiltration of eosinophils. One good example is ecalectin, a mediator derived from Ag-stimulated T lymphocytes. This molecule was identified in 1998 and has since been shown to potently and specifically attract eosinophils both in vivo and in vitro (through chemokinetic rather than chemotactic activity), induce concentration-dependent eosinophil aggregation, stimulate superoxide production and directly prolong eosinophil survival. Activity is not mediated through existing targets for eosinophil blockade such as CCR3 or IL-5 receptors. Consequently the development of strategies for blocking ecalectin represents a novel and specific approach to the serious problem of allergy. Biological activities of ecalectin: a novel eosinophil-activating factor. Matsumoto et al, J Immunol 2002 Feb 15;168(4):1961-7 Interested in collaborating with this group? Contact leaddiscovery@bioportfolio.co.uk LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio aims to provide reliable, insightful analysis on the biotechnology industry. However, this information is provided "as is" and no representations or warranties either express or implied of completeness, accuracy, or of any other nature are made with respect to this information. This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy the securities of any company. This information contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties which may not be listed. The biotechnology industry is an emerging industry and the securities of the companies mentioned in this report have a very high degree of risk and volatility. For this reason, this information is supplied on the condition that the reader will make his or her own determination as to its suitability for any purpose prior to any use of this information. The employees and officers of LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio may hold positions in some or all of the stocks discussed in this report. This abstract has been produced by LeadDiscovery Ltd. Founded by life scientists for life scientists we aim to help industry identify cutting edge drug discovery options and academic/biotech institutions maximize the potential of their research. Abstracts strictly reflect the opinion of LeadDiscovery's editorial panel. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of information provided LeadDiscovery and the publisher BioPortfolio, takes no responsibility for incorrect or misleading information. LeadDiscovery is designed for educational and drug development purposes only and is not intended or designed to offer medical advice or advice of any sort, and must not be used for such purpose. The information provided through LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease and no reliance should be placed on any information contained in this abstract or elsewhere on LeadDiscovery's and BioPortfolio's website. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your physician or other health care provider. |
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