Function of a haptoglobin-haemoglobin receptor and the uses thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to haptoglobin-haemoglobin (Hp-Hb) complex or a part thereof or a mimic thereof being operably linked to a substance and capable of binding a CD163 receptor. Furthermore, the invention relates to a CD163 variant, membrane bound or soluble, capable of binding at least one haptoglobin-haemoglobin (Hp-Hb) complex, and the use of the Hp-Hb complex and the CD163 receptor for therapy.

1 . A method of treatment of an individual comprising administration of a conjugate comprising (a) a Hp-Hb complex (haptoglobin-haemoglobin complex) or a part thereof or a mimic thereof and (b) a biologically active substance, wherein the Hp-Hb complex or the part thereof or the mimic thereof is capable of binding a CD163 receptor and/or a CD163 receptor variant, the method comprising the steps of: 
 i) providing a Hp-Hb complex, or a part thereof, or a mimic thereof,    ii) operably linking a biologically active substance to the Hp-Hb complex, or a part thereof, or a mimic thereof, to form said conjugate,    iii) administering a therapeutically effective amount of the conjugate to an individual in need thereof.    
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the method comprises drug-delivery treatment of an individual in need of such treatment.  
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the method comprises gene delivery treatment of an individual in need of such treatment.  
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the method comprises treatment of haemolysis in an individual in need of such treatment.  
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the substance is selected from the group consisting of an antimicrobial agent, a cancer drug, an anti-HIV drug and a medicament against lymphomas.