Soluble CLCA-1 and antagonists to CLCA-1

Abstract

The invention relates to methods of treating a disease or condition, wherein expression or activity of soluble CLCA1 is up-regulated, by administering inhibitors of soluble CLCA1. The invention also relates to methods of isolating soluble CLCA1 from a bodily fluid.

1 . A method of treating a subject having a disease or condition wherein CLCA1 expression or activity is elevated in the subject compared to an individual without the disease or condition, said method comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of at least one agent which inhibits or prevents soluble CLCA1 association with a cell membrane molecule, thereby treating the disease or condition. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a second agent, wherein said second agent is an agent known to effectively treat the disease or condition and wherein said second agent does not inhibit or prevent soluble CLCA1 association with a cell membrane. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the disease or condition is asthma. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the disease or condition is COPD. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least one agent is a protein. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least one agent is an antibody. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least one agent is a small molecule. 
     
     
         8 . A method of isolating CLCA1 comprising obtaining a fluid from a subject; contacting said fluid with a specific binding partner of CLCA1 such that a complex between CLCA1 and the specific binding partner forms; isolating the complex of CLCA1 and the specific binding partner of CLCA1 from said fluid; and disrupting the complex of CLCA1 and the specific binding partner of CLCA1 such that CLCA1 is isolated. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the fluid is a bodily fluid. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the bodily fluid is sputum. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the bodily fluid is obtained from a mucosal surface. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the fluid is bronchial alveolar lavage. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the specific binding partner is a protein. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the specific binding partner is an antibody. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the specific binding partner is linked to a solid support.