Therapeutic Uses of Glandular Kallikrein

Abstract

Provided is an immunosuppressive peptide of 40 kDa molecular weight, isolated from the submandibular glands (SMG*) of rats, having the capacity to suppress immune reactions upon parenteral administration to rats and mice. The peptide was identified as glandular kallikrein (K1) by partial sequencing and by enzymatic activity. Also provided are methods and compositions for Using K1 peptides in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

1 . A method of suppressing an immune reaction to beta cells in a human afflicted with or exhibiting at least one clinical sign of type 1 diabetes, comprising administering to the human about 10 to about 5,000 International Units of a glandular kallikrein, and thereby suppressing the immune reaction to beta cells. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the glandular kallikrein comprises kallikrein-1, a fragment of a kallikrein having serine protease activity, or a mixture thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the glandular kallikrein is administered orally. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the glandular kallikrein is administered parenterally. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  or  2 , comprising administering the glandular kallikrein and a beta cell antigen. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , comprising co-administering the beta cell antigen with the glandular kallikrein. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the glandular kallikrein and the beta cell antigen are administered orally.