Methods of use of recombinant vasoactive protein from salivary gland of the black fly

Abstract

The invention is drawn to vasodilative proteins from the salivary glands of the species, Simulium . The protein additionally has immunomodulating activities. Methods for recombinant production of the protein as well as biomedical uses are provided.

That which is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for treating a wound in a mammal, said method comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a protein comprising an amino acid sequence which is at least 90% identical to the mature form of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, wherein said protein promotes wound healing.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said protein comprises an amino acid sequence which is at least 95% identical to the mature form of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said protein is produced by recombinant methods.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said protein comprises an amino acid sequence which is the mature form of the amino acid of SEQ ID NO:2.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said mammal is a human patient.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein said human patient has undergone surgery and said wound is a surgical wound.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said wound is a result of heart failure.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said protein is administered by intradermal injection.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said protein is administered topically.  
     
     
         10 . A method for decreasing inflammation, said method comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a protein comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, wherein said protein decreases inflammation.