Modulation of the Activity and Differentiation of Cells Expressing the Osteoclast-Associated Receptor

Abstract

This invention relates to the finding that collagen peptides bind to the osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) and stimulate the activation and/or differentiation of OSCAR expressing cells, such as osteoclasts and osteoclast precursor cells. Collagen peptides are described which may be useful in the modulation of the differentiation and/or activation of OSCAR expressing cells, for example in the treatment of bone defects and disorders characterized by altered differentiation and/or activation of OSCAR expressing cells.

1 . A method of treating a disorder characterized by altered osteoclast differentiation and/or activation comprising administering an antibody that binds to an osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) to an individual in need thereof. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the disorder is selected from the group consisting of osteoporosis, primary bone cancer, secondary bone cancer, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute myeloid leukaemia, multiple myeloma, osteoarthritis, and other osteolytic diseases. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the disorder is rheumatoid arthritis. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) is a human osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR). 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the antibody reduces binding of the osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) to a collagen. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the collagen is selected from the group consisting of type-I collagen, type-II collagen, and type III collagen. 
     
     
         7 . A method of treating rheumatoid arthritis comprising administering an antibody that binds to a human osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) to an individual in need thereof. 
     
     
         8 . The method of treating rheumatoid arthritis of  claim 7 , wherein the antibody reduces binding of the osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) to a collagen. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the collagen is selected from the group consisting of type-I collagen, type-II collagen, and type III collagen. 
     
     
         10 . A method for reducing a binding of an osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) to a collagen comprising:
 administering to a subject an antibody that binds to a human osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR), and   reducing the binding of the human osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) to a collagen.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the collagen is selected from the group consisting of type-I collagen, type-II collagen, and type III collagen.