Methods and compositions for modulating immune response and for the treatment of inflammatory disease

Abstract

Compositions and methods for treating inflammatory disease and for modulating the immune system are described. The compositions and methods pertain to the use of a combination of N,N-dimethylglycine and a component derived from the mussel Perna canaliculus to achieve synergistic anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of treating a subject for inflammatory disease comprising administering to the subject a DMG component and at least one PCE component.  
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the subject has an autoimmune disease.  
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 2 , wherein the autoimmune disease is lupus erythmatosus.  
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 3 , wherein a reduction in serum concentration of at least one anti-nuclear antibody is achieved.  
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 4 , wherein the anti-nuclear antibody is an anti-dsDNA antibody or an anti-ssDNA antibody.  
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 3 , wherein at least one PCE component is freeze-dried ground whole mussel.  
     
     
         7 . A method of modulating the immune response profile in a subject comprising administering to the subject a DMG component and at least one PCE component.  
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 7 , wherein the modulation results in a decrease in serum il-6 concentrations, a decrease in serum il-10 concentrations, an increase in serum TNF-α concentrations, or a decrease in CD8 +  cells in the blood.  
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 7 , wherein the modulation results in a decrease in serum il-10 concentration and a decrease in CD8 +  cells in the blood.  
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 7 , wherein the modulation results in a decrease in CD8 +  cells.  
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein the subject has an autoimmune disease.  
     
     
         12 . A composition comprising a DMG component and at least one PCE component.  
     
     
         13 . A composition according to  claim 12 , wherein at least one PCE component comprises freeze-dried ground whole mussel.  
     
     
         14 . A composition according to  claim 12  which is suitable for use as a dietary supplement.  
     
     
         15 . A kit comprising a DMG formulation and a PCE formulation, wherein the PCE formulation comprises at least one PCE component.  
     
     
         16 . A kit according to  claim 15 , wherein the DMG formulation and the PCE formulation are suitable for use as dietary supplements.  
     
     
         17 . A kit according to  claim 15 , wherein at least one PCE component comprises ground freeze-dried whole mussel.  
     
     
         18 . A kit according to  claim 15 , wherein the DMG formulation is suitable for administration as an admixture with water.