Tafa4 compounds and uses thereof for treating pain

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of using a TAFA4 protein or an agonist thereof for preventing, alleviating or treating pain in a subject. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating pain in a subject by administering a TAFA4 protein or an agonist thereof to the subject. The TAFA4 can have the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 or a sequence having at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2. The TAFA4 agonist can also be a peptide comprising 10 to 60 consecutive amino acid residues of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2. Also described herein are pharmaceutical compositions, their preparation and uses as well as methods for preventing, alleviating or treating pain using such compounds and compositions.

1 . A composition comprising a TAFA4 protein or an agonist thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein said protein comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 or a sequence having at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2; and
 wherein said agonist is a peptide comprising at least 10 and fewer than 60 consecutive amino acid residues of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2.   
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said TAFA4 protein comprises SEQ ID NO: 1 or comprises a sequence having at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO: 1. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 2 , wherein said TAFA4 protein comprises SEQ ID NO: 1. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said composition further comprises at least one additional active compound effective against pain. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said composition is a local analgesic and/or anti-hyperalgesic composition. 
     
     
         6 . A kit comprising i) a TAFA4 protein or a composition thereof, wherein said TAFA4 protein comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 or a sequence having at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2, and ii) at least one additional distinct active compound efficient against pain. 
     
     
         7 . The kit of  claim 6 , wherein said TAFA4 protein comprises SEQ ID NO: 1 or comprises a sequence having at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO: 1. 
     
     
         8 . The kit of  claim 7 , wherein said TAFA4 protein comprises SEQ ID NO: 1. 
     
     
         9 . A transgenic rodent having a targeted inactivated TAFA4 gene.