Alpha-MSH related compounds and methods of use

Abstract

The invention provides polypeptides containing α-MSH that can be used to treat diseases characterized by inflammation and/or autoimmunity. Also included in the invention are α-MSH analogs and nucleic acids encoding polypeptides containing α-MSH and α-MSH analogs optionally linked to heterologous sequences. Also included in the invention are methods of delivering α-MSH containing peptides, α-MSH analogs, an DNA encoding α-MSH and α-MSH analogs.

1 . A nucleic acid comprising a sequence encoding a fusion polypeptide comprising an α-MSH concatamer, α-MSH and a membrane sequence, α-MSH and a signal sequence, or α-MSH and a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) attachment signal peptide.  
     
     
         2 - 18 . (canceled)  
     
     
         19 . An expression vector comprising the nucleic acid of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         20 . A method of making a polypeptide, the method comprising maintaining a cell containing an expression vector comprising the nucleic acid of  claim 1  under conditions permitting expression of the polypeptide of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         21 . A method of treatment comprising delivering the nucleic acid of  claim 1  to an individual suffering from, or at risk of, a disorder of the immune system.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the individual has an inflammatory disorder.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the individual has an autoimmune disorder.  
     
     
         24 . A composition comprising a fusion polypeptide comprising an α-MSH concatamer, α-MSH and a membrane sequence, α-MSH and a signal sequence, or α-MSH and a GPI attachment signal peptide.  
     
     
         25 . The composition of  claim 24 , the composition further comprising a therapeutic compound.  
     
     
         26 - 28 . (canceled)  
     
     
         29 . A composition comprising a delivery vehicle and the nucleic acid of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         30 . The composition of  claim 29 , wherein the delivery vehicle is selected from the group consisting of a microsphere, a liposome, a suspension, a particulate and an Immune Stimulating Complex (ISCOM).  
     
     
         31 . A method of generating regulatory T cells, the method comprising: 
 providing a population of T cells in vitro; and    mixing the population of T cells with an α-MSH analog and a therapeutic compound;    wherein the mixing results in the generation of regulatory T cells in vitro.    
     
     
         32 . A method of generating regulatory T cells, the method comprising administering to an individual an α-MSH analog and a therapeutic compound, wherein the administration results in the generation of regulatory T cells in the individual.  
     
     
         33 . A nucleic acid comprising a sequence encoding a fusion polypeptide comprising an α-MSH analog concatamer, an α-MSH analog and a membrane sequence, an α-MSH analog and a signal sequence, or an α-MSH analog and a GPI attachment signal peptide.  
     
     
         34 - 36 . (canceled)  
     
     
         37 . A method of treatment comprising delivering a therapeutic compound and an α-MSH-containing polypeptide to an individual suffering from, or at risk of, a disorder of the immune system.  
     
     
         38 . A method of treatment comprising delivering a therapeutic compound and a nucleic acid encoding an α-MSH-containing polypeptide to an individual suffering from, or at risk of, a disorder of the immune system.