Use of galectin-7 to promote the re-epithelialization of wounds

Abstract

Methods for the therapeutic treatment of epithelial wounds in mammals comprising administering to a mammal afflicted with an epithelial wound a therapeutically effective amount of a galectin-3 protein and/or a galectin-7 protein are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a pharmaceutically suitable carrier or diluent and as an active agent a galectin-3 protein and/or a galectin-7 protein are also provided.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method for the therapeutic treatment of epithelial wounds in mammals comprising administering to a mammal afflicted with an epithelial wound a therapeutically effective amount of a galectin-7 protein. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein said epithelial wound is a persistent epithelial defect or a recurrent epithelial erosion. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein said epithelial wound is an epithelial lesion or an epithelial erosion. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein said epithelial wound is selected from the group consisting of ulcers, blisters, burns, sores, boils, cuts, abrasions, and lacerations. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein said epithelial wound is a corneal wound. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein said corneal wound is a persistent corneal defect or a recent corneal erosion. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein said corneal wound was caused by excimer laser keratectomy. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein said epithelial wound is a skin wound or a wound to the gastrointestinal tract. 
     
     
         10 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the galectin-7 protein includes the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the galectin-7 protein includes an amino acid sequence that is substantially identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the galectin-7 protein includes a galectin-7 galactoside-binding domain. 
     
     
         18 - 35 . (canceled) 
     
     
         36 . A method for the therapeutic treatment of epithelial wounds in mammals comprising administering to a mammal afflicted with an epithelial wound a therapeutically effective amount of a substance that influences the expression of a galectin-7 protein. 
     
     
         37 - 38 . (canceled)